In the past, students with disabilities were often segregated from their peers in special education classrooms. However, the trend in recent years has been toward inclusive classrooms, where students with and without disabilities learn together. To go with trends, best boarding schools in India are also adopting this new methodology of inclusive classes.
But with the new approach, the question arises, is it really helpful for students with special abilities and learning disabilities? Let’s dive deeper to find the answer.

Special Education defined

When most people think of special education, they think of students receiving services in a self-contained classroom. Special education is much more than that! Special education is defined as instruction that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability. This could include different instructional materials, accommodations, and modifications to the regular curriculum. Students with disabilities are entitled to receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. This means that every effort should be made to keep students with disabilities in the general education classroom with their peers.

Inclusive classes defined

When we talk about inclusion in education, we are referring to the practice of educating students with special needs in regular classrooms alongside their typically developing peers. This approach is based on the belief that all students benefit from being exposed to a diversity of perspectives and that everyone can learn from each other.
Inclusive classrooms provide an opportunity for all students to socialize and learn together. They also give students with special needs a chance to interact with typical peers on a regular basis, which can help them develop important social skills. Additionally, inclusive classrooms can provide opportunities for all students to learn about and celebrate diversity.
There are some challenges associated with inclusive classrooms, but many teachers believe that the benefits outweigh the challenges. Some of the challenges include making sure that the curriculum is accessible to all students and providing adequate support for students with special needs.
However, Ms.Nirmala, who is a TGT in one of the best boarding schools in North India, said that these challenges can be overcome with careful planning and a commitment to meeting the needs of all students. She also mentioned that every teacher in her school tries their best to develop a healthy relationship with each student. This helps them to nourish their students better. According to her, day cum boarding schools in Haryana are also actively adopting this new approach to inclusive education. Which is a good sign for students having unique abilities.

The Pros and Cons of Inclusive Education

There are many pros and cons to inclusive education. Inclusive education is when all students, regardless of ability, are taught in the same classroom. Special education is when students with special needs are taught in separate classes or classes. There are many arguments for and against both types of education. Here are some pros and cons of inclusive education:
Pros:
Pros #1: Inclusive education can help all students learn from each other.
Pros #2: It can prepare all students for the real world, where they will be interacting with people of all abilities.
Pros #3: It can foster understanding and acceptance of differences among classmates.
Cons:
Cons #1: Some teachers may not feel comfortable or prepared to teach students with special needs in their classroom.
Cons #2: The resources required to support students with special needs in an inclusive setting can be costly.
Cons #3: Not all-inclusive classrooms are successful. If not done correctly, it can result in frustration and isolation for both students with special needs and their classmates.

The Pros and Cons of Special Education

The debate over whether children with special needs should be mainstreamed or placed in special education classrooms is one that has been going on for years. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument, and ultimately the decision comes down to what is best for the child. Here, we will take a look at some of the pros and cons of special education to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:
Pros #1: Special education classrooms are designed specifically for children with special needs. This means that the curriculum and teaching methods are tailored to meet their individual needs.
Pros #2: Children in special education classrooms receive smaller class sizes and more one-on-one attention from teachers. This can be beneficial for children who struggle to keep up with their peers in a larger classroom setting.
Pros #3: Special education classrooms often have access to more resources and specialized equipment than mainstream classrooms. This can make a big difference for children who require certain therapies or who benefit from using assistive technology.
Cons:
Cons #1: Some people argue that children with special needs should be mainstreamed in order to socialize with their peers and learn how to function in a “regular” classroom setting. being in a separate classroom.

Which is better for the student?

There is no one answer to this question. It depends on the individual student and their specific needs. Some students do better in inclusive classes, while others do better in special education classes. There is no right or wrong answer, it all depends on the student.

How to make the decision

Making the decision to put your child in an inclusive classroom or a special education class can be difficult. You want what is best for your child, but you may not be sure what that is. Here are some things to consider that may help you make the decision:
Find your child’s strengths and weaknesses
A special education class may be a better fit if your child is struggling in a traditional classroom. On the other hand, if your child is doing well in a traditional classroom, an inclusive classroom may be the best option.

Find the size of the class
A smaller class size may be beneficial for a child who needs more individual attention.
Check the curriculum being taught
An inclusive classroom will follow the same curriculum as a traditional classroom. A special education class may have a modified curriculum.
Research each teacher’s experience
It is important to consider the teacher’s experience teaching children with special needs.
Talk to your child & find out about his preferences indirectly
Ultimately, you want your child to be happy with his or her educational experience. If your child has a strong preference for one type of setting over another, it is important to consider that when making your decision.

Conclusion

The approach to Inclusive education seems very promising. But It’s important to consider what will work best for your child’s individual needs. Inclusive classrooms from top boarding schools in India provide a more natural environment for students with disabilities, as they are not segregated from their peers. With this students with different abilities have the opportunity to interact with other peers on a daily basis, which can help them develop social skills and improve their self-esteem. Wherein at the same time, it may happen that these special students may feel overwhelmed as Inclusive classrooms can be less structured than self-contained classrooms. Also, Students in inclusive classrooms may not receive as much individualized attention from teachers as they would in a self-contained setting. Which can be challenging for some students with disabilities. Hence it’s very important for you to identify what works best for your child and then only make an informed decision.