Inclusion is such a controversial topic regarding the education of students in today's society. Special education has undergone huge changes through the years and changes are continuously being made to date. The main purpose inclusion is to ensure every child obtains the best education possible by placing them in the best learning environment for their needs. The question has always been, what is best for these students? The idea of inclusion is beneficial, supported by law that promotes a balanced education while also making a commitment to educate every student to his or her fullest potential. .
Before the Education for All Handicapped Children act in 1975 (which is now known as IDEA) all disabled children were included in general education classrooms; however, children with severe disabilities were placed in, segregated classrooms with deplorable living conditions, lack of hygiene, ill- treatment, over crowding, or in regular classrooms without additional support. IDEA mandates not only should individuals with disabilities be provided a public education, they also should have the right to learn in the least restrictive environment. Which means students with disabilities, in any school setting, are, to be taught to the fullest extent possible, to be educated in classrooms together with students without disabilities. .
I personally have been in a general education inclusive teacher and in a self-contained class and I understand how beneficial it is for everyone involved. After being an applied skill teacher for 3 years I really learned and began to understand the importance inclusion and how it was helpful not only for the students with disabilities but for their nondisabled peers as well. The students I worked with ranged from having an intellectual disability – to being on different levels of the autism spectrum. When my students came back for their general education classes they possessed so much self-confidence, and their self-esteem went through because they felt like they belonged.