20 U.S.C. 1412(5)(B)- Students with disabilities should not be restricted by their education placement and should have access to the same setting to which students without disabilities have access. School districts are legally obligated to offer a continuum of services for special needs students. From these mandates, a philosophical approach to the education of children with disabilities emerged. This approach or movement has been referred to as "full inclusion-. .
"Full inclusion is a philosophical movement based upon the notion that all students, regardless of the level or type of disability, should be educated entirely in the same general education classrooms as their same-age peers."" This means that all students with disabilities, regardless of the type or severity of the disability, are placed in the general education classroom for the entire school day. In order for the student to be successful, the modifications, accommodations and services are provided in the classroom setting. The student is typically under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher. In determining the placement of special needs children it should be noted that "the burden of proof rests with the school district in proving that a placement in the general classroom cannot be achieved with appropriate supports and services."" .
Inclusion is more than a physical placement of a child with special needs in a general education classroom. "Inclusion really involves a systems change and a philosophy in which a school system allows for a variety of placements that offer the conditions under which every individual feels safe, accepted, and valued and is helped to develop his or her affective and intellectual capacities-. "Like many trends in education, inclusion is driven by parents, advocacy organizations and professionals with an admirable focus on advocacy for the rights of children."" .
Controversy.
