Book Description

With the implementation of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) in 1975, educating students in the least restrictive environment has become common practice among schools. This leads to the inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education classroom. The following study evaluates the impact that inclusion has on general education teachers. 22 general education teachers were surveyed to determine how inclusion affects their attitude toward multiple variables, including stress level, planning time, enjoyment of teaching, and perceived value of students with special needs. The study found that the majority of teachers feel that students with disabilities are a valuable part of the classroom and are enjoyable to teach. The teachers feel that general education students learn better when students with disabilities are included in the classroom. However, having special needs students included in the classroom takes additional planning time and causes teachers to feel more stressed. Furthermore, the study compares the opinions of teachers with 1-10 years of teaching experience and teachers with 11 or more years of teaching experience. It is concluded that additional professional development opportunists and training should be given to general education teachers to help them successfully implement inclusion.