What does IDEA say about partial inclusion?

What does IDEA say about partial inclusion?

• A. Partial inclusion in segregated classrooms was just as bad as institutionalization
• B. Partial inclusion is ideal
• C. Partial inclusion is not addressed
• D. Partial inclusion is always better than full inclusion

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is how placement decisions align with the least restrictive environment (LRE) in IDEA. IDEA requires students with disabilities to be educated with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate, with supports provided as needed. Partial inclusion in segregated classrooms keeps students apart from general education even if they aren’t fully in a separate setting all day. That ongoing separation can undermine access to the general curriculum and meaningful peer interactions, which runs counter to the purpose of LRE. In that sense, partial inclusion in segregated settings can be as limiting as more restrictive arrangements, which is why it’s viewed as not meeting IDEA’s goals. The other statements don’t fit IDEA’s direction: IDEA does address inclusion and the push to place students in general education with supports rather than endorsing partial, segregated placement as ideal, and it does not claim that partial inclusion is always better than full inclusion.

The main idea tested is how placement decisions align with the least restrictive environment (LRE) in IDEA. IDEA requires students with disabilities to be educated with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate, with supports provided as needed. Partial inclusion in segregated classrooms keeps students apart from general education even if they aren’t fully in a separate setting all day. That ongoing separation can undermine access to the general curriculum and meaningful peer interactions, which runs counter to the purpose of LRE. In that sense, partial inclusion in segregated settings can be as limiting as more restrictive arrangements, which is why it’s viewed as not meeting IDEA’s goals.

The other statements don’t fit IDEA’s direction: IDEA does address inclusion and the push to place students in general education with supports rather than endorsing partial, segregated placement as ideal, and it does not claim that partial inclusion is always better than full inclusion.