Running head: INCLUSION
The Impact of Inclusion on Curriculum: A Literature Review
Amanda Klein
Liberty University
Abstract
The purpose of this literature review, is to identify and summarize the current literature available on the impact of inclusion on the effectiveness of curriculum. It seeks to answer the research question, “Does the current trend for inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education classroom, have a direct impact on the effectiveness of curriculum?” A definition of relevant terms, history of special education and inclusion is presented. Current benefits to inclusion in the literature as well as inclusion seen as recommended practice in the literature is presented before recommendations for future research are given.
The Impact of Inclusion on the Effectiveness of Curriculum: A Literature Review
Historically, there has been a strong research base to support the education of children with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers. Even though separate classes, with lower student to teacher ratios, controlled environments, and specially trained staff would appear to offer benefits to a child with a disability, research fails to validate the effectiveness of such programs (Lipsky & Gartner, 1997). As a result, this literature review seeks to identify and summarize the current literature available on the impact of inclusion on the effectiveness of curriculum. The research question this literature review will seek to address is, “Does the current trend for inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education classroom, have a direct impact on the effectiveness of curriculum?”
Definition of Terms
Special Education. According to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, “special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability” (2013).
Curriculum. The term curriculum refers to the lessons and...