Program

Special Education M.A.

Number of Pages

62

Year Approved

2024

First Advisor

Cavalier, Meghan

Second Reader

Sarah Papineau

Abstract

Inclusive education is widely acknowledged as a beneficial opportunity for students with disabilities. However, the location of the instruction is only one factor in creating inclusive opportunities for all students. For education to be truly inclusive, appropriate support to foster participation and learning within the chosen setting must also be provided. Despite international acceptance of this ideal, implementation of inclusive education is challenging. Through a review of current research, I will examine how current inclusion practices in special education impact the social-emotional development and academic achievement of students with diverse learning needs. Advantages of inclusive education include increased access to peers and the high standards of the general education curriculum. However, when the general education setting is not conducive to differentiation, accommodations, and modifications, students with disabilities may be at a disadvantage. Essential elements of inclusive education include sufficient teacher preparation, adequate time for collaboration between all parties, and school-wide multi-tiered systems of support. Barriers to inclusive education include the lack of relevant research, insufficient teacher training, mandated use of curriculum with a focus on maximizing standardized testing achievement, and incompatible school-wide practices. Researchers have identified associations between implementation of the essential element of inclusive education and increased student academic achievement and social-emotional development.

Degree Name

Special Education M.A.

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

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