The Benefits of the Inclusive Classroom to students with Individualized Educational Programs: An Analysis of the debate through Parent/Teacher Blogs

Abstract

This project will compile and analyze existing studies about IEPs (Individualized Educational Program) and will bring awareness to the negative effects of removing students from regular general education classrooms. An IEP is a written document that is required for any child who is eligible to receive special education services. The original intent of an IEP was to ensure that a child who has a disability, identifiable under the law, receives specialized instruction and related services at the primary or secondary school they attend. The main purpose of an IEP is to provide children the educational experience they need to succeed and deserve. IEPs can be used as roadmaps for educators and parents to help their children learn to their full potential. There are a lot of elements that go into developing an IEP. They include the student’s current education level, the setting where the educational program is to be provided, the names of all personnel who will be providing the educational program and the support services for the student during the school year. Additionally, the IEP includes the period of time and process for review of the process, evidence of evaluation or review, which could include revisions made to the plan and the tracking of achievement in relation to goals, and plans for the next transition point in the student's education (Zora 90). All of these factors lead to a well written IEP. Many parents need to be very involved in their child’s education when they have a learning disability. This can be an emotional time for both parents and teachers. Parents usually do not disagree with the plan that is laid out for their child unless they believe that the program will not fit their child’s needs fully. If you feel the IEP is not effective for your child, you can meet with all the correct personnel and modify it to the needs of your child. A parent said in a magazine article: Welcome to the world of IEPs, “I remember thinking why would I want to disagree with their plan? Is there really so much faulty education out there, that I would need to do that? I felt intimidated by the process and unsure if I was up to making the right decision for Daniela” (Goldstone 60). Parents need to be educated on this process to do what is best for their child. Learning about IEPs for the first time can be challenging due to the process you have to go through.