Which is better for a special education student?

Question

That's the website that you can go to for more information on which special education placements is the best: http://specialchildren.about.com/od/specialeducation/p/specialedrooms.htm

I think the self-contained classes (the one where special education students can interact with general education students) in the mainstream school is the best placement for ALL special education students.

There is another self-contained class meaning which is when special education students are NOT allowed to interact with general education students in the mainstream school. That's when school districts can't afford to send him to a special school. I don't like that self-contained classroom. That is not good for special education students. How would you feel if you were told NOT to interact with the general education students? I would be very ANGRY but there is nothing anyone can do about this unfairness. That is life.

Answer 1

One size does not fit all.  Each individual's needs must be taken into consideration for school placement.  There is also the safety of the regular students to be considered.  Some special needs students can be violent.  I have worked with many special needs students most of whom I would not mind having in the same classroom as my own children.  However there are some that I would not want in the same school, let alone the same classroom.

Answer 2

I'm a teacher, and I think for most students you are totally correct.  However, in some extreme situations, self-contained classrooms are considered the "least restrictive" environment and the best environment for some children.

A few children are very very overwhelmed by larger groups and a large class of students (which is usually how most regular ed classes are) would not be right.  Some students, for example, some student who are autistic, are not as interested in social interactions and want classrooms and teachers with flexibility and small numbers to meet their needs.

I teach in an inclusion school where special ed students are in the classroom with other students, so I totally understand your point--I just think there should be another option for the few students who need an education that's a little different.

Answer 3

You are worried that some special needs kids can be violent. That is nothing to what some of the so called "regular kids" do to the special needs kids to cause the behavior problems to errupt! That is where alot of problems stem from. Plus schools not providing adequate safety and protection. Inclusion is a good thing, many do benefit from this. But also on the flip side of the coin, many LS kids don't reap educational benefit as the help is not as readily available.