Inclusion

This semester I had the opportunity to be placed in an inclusion classroom. I felt really lucky but scared at the same time! I had no prior experience being in an inclusion classroom. And, working with students  While we have learned about inclusion, it is completely different in a real life situation. When I had meet my mentor for the first time she told me that it would be her first time doing it too. I felt a little relieved knowing that my mentor and I were in the same position. At the beginning of the semester I got to meet the Special Education teacher who would be helping my mentor with the inclusion. During my time at my placement I got observe, teach and find other ways to be involved in the class. Inclusion involves co-teaching but most of the time I see my mentor as the head teacher while the Special Education teacher as a helper. Although, it may help the students with one-one help but the purpose of inclusion is be able to co-teach lessons for any student whether or not they have an IEP. 
Recently, my mentor told me she would be pulling out of the program. She showed me an article and asked her if it would be okay if I took it home to read. The article is called, "Factors Affecting the Success of Inclusion." It talks about a school that underwent full inclusion within the school and her research. I have yet to finish the article but this paragraph really stood out to me...

"Successful inclusive schools provide a unified educational system in which general and 

special educators work collaboratively to provide comprehensive and integrated services 

and programming for all students.  At these sites, inclusive practices have been carefully 

developed and implemented by the entire school system and are provided with resources 

to support and maintain change (para. 4)."

I feel in order for inclusion to be a success...there needs to be collaboration between the special educators and a support system to help maintain it. Everyone needs to be involved not just a set a staff but the whole school. Having everyone to support you sets everyone for success in the long run and consistency.

I tell myself this is only one setting or example of inclusion that I have experienced and seen. There are so many other variations of an inclusion classroom I have not seen yet. I'm curious as to what they may implement within their class in order to make it successful.

http://gothenburg.k12.ne.us/StaffInfoPg/Papers/A_Richeson.pdf