By law, all students are to receive a free and appropriate education (FAPE). The foundation of inclusion is rooted in the law of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Two concepts that are important in inclusion are that of the least restrictive environment (LRE) and the individualized education program (IEP).
There are six underlying principles that spur IDEA. These principles state that all children have a right to the same education. Brown vs. the Board of Education started this change in thinking in the realm of education. The standards in which IDEA is set are:
There are six underlying principles that spur IDEA. These principles state that all children have a right to the same education. Brown vs. the Board of Education started this change in thinking in the realm of education. The standards in which IDEA is set are:
Principle 1. Zero Reject 2. Nondiscriminatory Evaluation 3. Appropriate Education 4. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) 5. Procedural Due Process 6. Parent Participation (Turnbull, Stowe, & Huerta, 2007). | Explanation “…provides that every child with a disability (under IDEA) is entitled to a free appropriate education” (Turnbull, Stowe, & Huerta, 2007, p. 44) The schools or others who have contact with the student may think they have a disability and are entitled to benefits. The student receives an IEP to progress toward the national policy goals. It “reflects the presumption that student’s education will take place in typical setting with nondisabled students” (Turnbull, Stowe, & Huerta, 2007, p. 44). It makes sure the school is held accountable by the parent for his child’s education and the school holds the parent accountable for the child’s well-being. The parents have a say in their student’s education. |
There are also six principles in which the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act is founded upon. No Child Left Behind is political policy where every child is expected to work and to achieve the same standards. It is the teacher's job to make sure the students are working toward the high expectations set before them. The students are assessed through a standardized state test. Their results show what they have learned according to the standards set forth by the NCLB law. The principles show what NCLB expects from the school and parents in education (Turnbull, Stowe, & Huerta, 2007).
Principle 1. Accountability 2. Highly Qualified Teachers 3. Scientifically Based Intervention 4. Local Flexibility 5. Safe Schools 6. Parent Participation and Choice (Turnbull, Stowe, & Huerta, 2007). | Explanation Schools educate so students can demonstrate proficiency in the core subjects. Teachers must meet the standards set before them. Schools use research-based curricula and methods of instruction in class. This is discretion on how to use the funds provided. These are needed for effective teaching and learning. Parents are to be involved in their child’s education. |
The principles from IDEA and NCLB are related to each in some aspects. The zero reject and discipline ideas of IDEA relate to NCLB's school safety canon. IDEA believes in an appropriate education goes along with No Child Left Behind's "...principles of accountability through assessments, highly qualified teachers, and scientifically based instruction" (Turnbull, Stowe, & Huerta, 2007, p. 46). IDEA's parent participation doctrine appeals to the belief of parent choice in the NCLB Act. The nondiscriminatory evaluation, least restrictive environment, and due process of IDEA do not correspond with any principles of NCLB. Children have a right to a free and appropriate education and are expected to meet the high standards of NCLB (Turnbull, Stowe, & Huerta, 2007).