Thoughts about Inclusion

I enjoyed reading the comments on inclusion. It's a subject that I have read about and chatted about with many other parents, and educators. There are two philosophies I try to practice when I'm faced with making decisions about Georgie's placement each year.

1. Think of his educational needs in blocks of one or two years only. (Otherwise, I worry myself sick about things five years down the road, and I don't even know what George will be capable of five years from now so it ends up being wasted energy.)
2. Start Georgie out with other kids Georgie's age, in the least restrictive environment first (normal classes) and give him the necessary tools or adaptations to help him be successful. Then if he cannot be successful, we will look at other options.

I know that this approach will not be the right one for ALL kids but it has worked for us with Georgie so far. I think that inclusionary practices have to be carefully considered for "each individual child." I don't think that it's right for all kids. I think a more contained, specialized setting is just right for some kiddo's. And I hope that that kind of a setting is always an option for Georgie just in case that is what he might need to be successful.

This year George is fully included in a second grade classroom with his peers for most all activities. He does get pulled out for extra assistance from a LD (learning disabilities) teacher, and for keyboarding skills which are not taught to the other second graders. He also gets pulled occasionally for mobility instruction. While it hasn't been an easy year for Georgie, he's a constant fighter and he doesn't give up, and therefore neither will anyone else on his team of educational professionals and mom and dad.

Jeff is right; the socialization he gets from his peers is so important. Every year he seems to show us new levels to his learning that were not apparent even the year before. Developmental stages I'm sure, but also because a group of people I call his "team" care enough to give him a chance and let him show us what he can do! OK, OK I'm done :), Annie