Alternative Placements and the Emphasis on Inclusion in Special Education

• In Event: Roundtable: Juvenile Justice, Schools, and Family

Abstract

Alternative placements for students with special education needs and disabilities are counter to full inclusion. The concept of inclusion in special education advocates for the integration of students with diverse learning and behavioral needs into general education classrooms. While the call for inclusive education is widely supported around the world, there remains a recognition that some students with special education needs and disabilities require alternative settings to thrive academically and behaviorally. This paper focuses on two critical instances where alternative placements may be considered: when students' learning and behavioral needs exceed the capacity of educators in general education classrooms and when home circumstances place a child at risk of conflict with juvenile justice systems.

Author

• Beau Shine, Indiana University Kokomo