4th Draft-

In the field of education, it is essential that all students’ needs are being met. Throughout history, students with special needs have not always been integrated into the school system. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act collaborates special and general education teachers to include students with special needs into the general education classroom as much as possible. IDEA was reauthorized in 2004 to Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, today referred to as IDEA 2004. IDEA renamed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act previously amended in 1975. IDEA does not deny students with special needs to the same education as students without special needs and should be integrated into every school setting as much as possible and enable all students to be included in the least restrictive environment. All students have the right to a free and equal education. Certain teachers can find the IDEA 2004 and inclusion unnecessary because some believe that students do not learn the best in general education classroom.
I agree with every aspect of IDEA because I feel it gives students with disabilities the best possible education. I like the fact that IDEA enables students with special needs the chance to participate in the general education classroom. I believe strongly in inclusion for students with disabilities which means placing children with disabilities in the general education classroom as much as possible. I find it to be one of the most important aspects for children with disabilities and his or her education.
Including students with special needs in the general education classroom gives them a chance to interact with his or her classmates. Also, it gives students without special needs the opportunity to work together those students with special needs. IDEA guarantee’s that every student with disabilities have his or her IEP, Individualized Education Program written to define his or her goals throughout the school year that both teachers, parents and other professionals will be exhibiting. As a future educator, I find it important to work together with other school professionals to enhance my career and enhance the lives of my students. I have worked with IEP’s before; I find it extremely necessary that students interact with their peers as much as possible.
On the other hand, some educators find inclusion to neglect student achievement and effective instruction because some students are not able to learn his or her best in the general education classroom. Arguments formed with a negative point of view towards inclusion argue that there is a lack of clear definition as to include students with disabilities in the general education classroom to fulfill success. Some educators find that students with disabilities form behaviors because his or her needs are not met and the student is unable to communicate their needs. In a recent interview I had with a former teacher of mine, I asked her how the school she teachers at incorporates students with special needs through IDEA. A certain response that I found troubling was that come teachers in the district, who were indeed of the higher age, were unaware of even what IDEA was. I find it hard that the teachers who are unaware of the act are fully educating students with disabilities.
I find it extremely necessary that students with disabilities are held accountable for their education and are provided the proper accommodations and modifications to make their education a success rather than a failure. Students can learn from each other in both a positive and negative way and I feel when students with disabilities are associated with their peers they get a sense of fulfillment by becoming successful in the classroom. Also, I feel that all students’ success is the most important aspect of my job and if a student with disabilities is not receiving proper education in the general classroom setting, proper adjustments such as placement in a special education room need to be determined.
One way to determine student achievement in the classroom is testing and assessments. IDEA 2004 mandates that all students with disabilities are given the same state and local standardized assessments. Because of their disability, students can’t be discriminated against by given a different test. Students with disabilities have the same rights as do students without disabilities.
Some questions that arise with students with disabilities is what happens after they graduate from high school? A students IEP only ensures a stable plan until graduation, IDEA 2004 initiates that transition plans are put into place for successfully transition from school to post-school life. It also extends services to students as young as three years of age to prepare young children with disabilities to start elementary school. Also, assistance is available for students from birth to three.
I feel that including students in the general education classroom with certain accommodations and modifications to fulfill student success in the classroom. IDEA 2004 mandates by law that all students’ needs are met. IDEA does not deny students with special needs to the same education as students without special needs and should be integrated into every school setting as much as possible and enable all students to be included in the least restrictive environment. As a future educator in the special education department, I find it most necessary that students with disabilities are given the same opportunities as students who do not display disabilities.