Multiple Perspectives on Inclusive Education: Reflections of a University Faculty

Abstract

Special and general education faculty at one university articulate issues and concerns regarding inclusive education within the fields of hearing loss, learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, severe disabilities, and visual impairments, followed by reflections from a general educator. For each area, outcomes for students with disabilities are discussed within the context of historical contemporary educational placement patterns, followed by discussions of inclusion issues specific to each disability area. For the general education area, selected patterns of pull-out are reviewed, followed by a discussion of inclusion issues specific to general education. The article concludes with a synthesis of common themes, including the need for adequate classroom supports, the need to increase collaboration in schools, the need for changes in teacher preparation practices at the preservice level, and the need for special educators to become more purposefully involved in general education reform.