Is inclusion a choice for special needs students?

Question

I'm talking about inclusion classes that are combined in the mainstreaming model. Not schools that practice the "real" inclusion. Can students say no if they don't want to be in an inclusion class?

Answer 1

They don't tell parents of the special ed child that  they  (the parents)  do  have a choice because they (the school) dont' want to do what the parents want.

They only want to do what THEY want.  Schools NEVER let you know that you have a choice because they always want it THEIR way, whether it's legal or not.

Th special ed kids can not make these decisions. They can help in the decision process in an IEP meeting, but the decision is not left entirely to them.

The childs parent has to request what they feel is best for the child.  If the school refuses what the parents request, then the parent requests PWN from the school. This is 'prior written notice'.

THe school has to have LEGAL reasons for their decisions. And when you request PWN, they will change their mind and do what the parents request if they made their decision illegally becasue they will NOT put illegal reasons in writing on the PWN.

Answer 2

Inclusion is a choice inwhich an entire team of professionals, including yourself determine if inclusion/mainstreaming is appropriate for your needs. The state requires first and foremost  the LRE on IEP's. This means Least Restrictive Environment. The law states that if the team , remember that is you too, requests inclusion for the best educational and social benefit of the student, then it shall be complied with. An IEP team can consist of many people. The people include; YOU, parents, regular education and special education teachers, principal, nurse, psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, probation officer, social workers, PACER and any other person who may have a voice in helping to choose the best environment for learning. You and your parents are the best advocates for your needs, teachers and other professionals analyze pros and cons for creating the best learning environment. PACER, an advocate for students and parents ,is a must for including in your IEP meetings. PACER answers YOUR questions and asks the questions you are unaware of. PACER explains everything to you and your parents, as they are a program designed specifically for you and your needs as well as to ensure state regulations. If you don't want inclusion, you are responsible to explain why it will not benefit your needs educationally or socially. The IEP team must listen to your voice, as the IEP meeting is YOUR MEETING. Without you, they could not have the meeting. PACER will help you to understand the pros and cons of your voice and assist in helping you choose the program that fits your needs. Just saying NO, to inclusion isn't quite enough to convince a team that it will benefit you  to be segregated from your peers. If you have a reason for saying NO, to inclusion, the IEP meeting is the best place to work it out. Maybe it has been a bad experience for you? If so, that may be the teachers neglect in not holding the class responsible for accepting all students.Keep in mind PACER will help your voice to be heard and is there to advocate for you and with you! With PACER attending the meeting, there will be explainations and more resourses handed to you. Some schools forget that not everyone knows and understands the education world filled with terms and rules. PACER will make sure the school doesn't forget!!! Be your own best advocate and choose the right people to attend your meeting.

Answer 3

Are you talking about the special ed kids or the regular ed kids?

Special Ed kids are placed there at their special ed meeting. We usually put kids in there that can handle being with the mainstream academically (with some support) and behaviorally.  As far as a regular ed kid, in my district you can ask to have your child not in an inclusion class. We try to switch kids around and not have a child be in a inclusion room every year but really the inclusion class in doing what the rest of the grade level is doing. (There are many models and some of them are not so good)

Answer 4

For child's rights, I always have a "legal" representative from the Association of Retarded Citizens *ARC* to guide me on

what is in the best interest of my child.

My child has down syndrome, and she is in a special education class where I feel she benefits greatly. Her school practices inclusion in her music and art classes, which is fine with me.

She is in a public school, who must abide with the "No Child Left Behind" act which gives her legal rights about her education.

If you don't want to be in inclusion class, then what is it that you want? Talk to a legal advocate and get everything in writing at your next IEP meeting. Know your rights.

And if need be, go to due process hearing with the school district, if you disagree.

Answer 5

yes, they have a choice

Answer 6

I assume that you are speaking of students in middle school or high school that are invited to be a part of the case conference committee. Keep in mind that it is a committee and that the student is just one part of it. The committee makes the decision and then the parents either agree or disagree.