Inclusion, inclusion...for what purpose?

(Boulder's efforts for inclusion)

As I read this article, I am concerned about the purpose of the move to more inclusion. What is that purpose? Let's be very clear! It is to improve learning outcomes for ALL students in the schools--regular and special education, gifted and average, 'at risk' and all others.

I echo and strongly support the folks who focus the purpose of inclusion on improving teaching and learning for ALL students. I am very concerned about those who focus on inclusion as a 'civil right.' Instead, inclusion should be based on research and best practices--for what works, not just for having all sorts of learners in classrooms together, but on improving outcomes for all of them. That is not a matter of 'right,' it's a matter of pedagogy and research on what works.

Let us all keep our eye on the prize: better outcomes for all students.