Is inclusion in the classroom beneficial?Caitlin EllisRES 501- Fundamentals of Research and WritingColorado State University- Global CampusDr. Brian NeffMay 16, 2014Is inclusion in the classroom beneficial?According to the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, inclusion is the action of including students with disabilities in a regular public classroom (2010). Children with disabilities are now included in general education classrooms alongside their peers who do not have disabilities; they are offered additional support and any other help they may need to succeed in a general education classroom. Inclusion in schools makes every child feel welcome and part of something bigger. This practice not only helps the child with disabilities, but inclusion also helps children without disabilities. In the following paragraphs I will discuss the history, pros and cons of inclusion, and next steps. History of InclusionThe Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was a concept adopted by Congress in 1975. The IDEA states that children and adults with disabilities have the right to receive a free public education, just like their peers without disabilities. “IDEA provides federal funding to states to address the educational needs of children with disabilities. In exchange, states agree to comply with the substantive and procedural requirements of IDEA” (Boylan & Goldman, 2010). According to the US Department of Education, IDEA reported that children with disabilities have increased steadily over the past 10 years, since 2007 the number has almost doubled (2010). The growth of these numbers not only demonstrates the goal of identification and reflection. These dimensions will be used in public school guidelines to promote a more inclusive way of teaching. The British Journal of Education reiterates that the main strategy is to use old and existing practices as focal points for new development and, using this strategy, staff could be asked to reflect on their current work in affiliation with the three dimensions strategy (2000). Conclusion Inclusion in the public school classroom has benefits for all students involved, but obviously still presents some problems that need to be resolved. Integrating children with disabilities into general education classrooms involves many different aspects that must all fit together to make it a successful endeavor. With the three-dimensional plan and taking into account all the cons, inclusion in the classroom will prove to be beneficial for everyone.