Inclusion can positively affect other students by promoting empathy, understanding, and diversity, while also helping to break down stereotypes and build stronger social skills.
And now, looking more attentively
Inclusion in the classroom has a significant impact on both the student with disabilities and their peers. While the primary focus is on the student with disabilities, other students also benefit from inclusive education. Inclusion can positively affect other students by promoting empathy, understanding, and diversity, while also helping to break down stereotypes and build stronger social skills. As the National Education Association states, “Inclusion teaches all students to value, support, and respect people who are different from themselves.”
According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, there are several ways in which inclusive education can benefit all students, including:
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Increased academic achievement: Inclusive classrooms often use differentiated instruction and other strategies that help all students learn and succeed academically.
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Better social-emotional health: Students in inclusive classrooms learn to support and appreciate one another, which can improve their overall social-emotional health.
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Preparation for the real world: Inclusive classrooms mirror the diversity of the world outside of school, helping students gain the skills they need to succeed in a global society.
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Reduced prejudice and stereotypes: Inclusion promotes positive attitudes towards different abilities, cultures, and lifestyles, reducing prejudice and stereotypes.
Beyond these benefits, inclusive education can also teach students valuable life skills such as conflict resolution, teamwork, and communication. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “When all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free.”
TABLE:
Benefits of Inclusive Education for All Students:
| Increased academic achievement | Better social-emotional health | Preparation for the real world | Reduced prejudice and stereotypes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use of differentiated instruction and other strategies | Supportive classroom environment | Global awareness | Positive attitudes towards diversity |
| Improved performance and outcomes | Appreciation for difference | Life skills development | Reduced biases and misconceptions |
| Personalized learning opportunities | Friendship development | Increased cultural understanding | Respect for others without judgement |
| Exposure to diverse perspectives | Promotion of empathy and kindness | Cooperation and teamwork | Appreciation for uniqueness and individuality |
Associated video
In this video, a student with special needs advocates for true inclusion in the classroom, expressing a desire to be challenged and allowed to learn from their teacher and peers rather than being limited by their one-on-one aide. The student emphasizes the importance of a culture of inclusion that allows everyone to learn and succeed, regardless of differing abilities and the need for accommodations. Furthermore, the student encourages teachers to have equal expectations of all their students, making space for everyone to grow and flourish.
Other viewpoints exist
Kids with special education needs who are in inclusive classes are absent less often. They develop stronger skills in reading and math. They’re also more likely to have jobs and pursue education after high school. The same research shows that their peers benefit, too.
Educating students with disabilities in inclusive settings results in positive academic and learning outcomes, social acceptance, consistent interactions and friendships for students with disabilities, and enhanced understanding of diversity for their peers. Research has shown that inclusion has positive effects on the academic outcomes of students with disabilities, and its positive impact on the subsequent social inclusion of people with disabilities in terms of further academic opportunities and qualifications, access to employment and developing personal relationships within the community. The literature indicates mostly positive or neutral effects of inclusion on the academic achievement of typically developing students in the lower grades, whereas neutral or negative influence is indicated for later grades.
Although actual research on the benefits of including students with such disabilities has been scarce over the past 10 years, there is general agreement that educating students with disabilities in inclusive settings results in positive academic and learning outcomes, social acceptance, consistent interactions and friendships for students with disabilities, and enhanced understanding of diversity for their peers.
The recent review of research by Kefallinou et al. (2020) concluded that there is plenty of research that justifies inclusion both from the educational and the social angles, due to the proven positive effects of educational inclusion on the academic outcomes of students with disabilities, and its positive impact on the subsequent social inclusion of people with disabilities in terms of further academic opportunities and…
The literature indicatesmostly positive or neutral effects of inclusion on the academic achievement of typically developingstudents in the lower grades, whereas neutral or negative influence is indicated for later grades.Additionally, students without disabilities have socially benefited from being in inclusive classroomswith students with disabilities.
When inclusion is done well, everyone in the class benefits. It strengthens the ability of all kids to work together, understand and value different points of view, think critically, and be successful learners. Inclusive classrooms also reduce stigma.