The Unintended Consequences of the Full Inclusion Movement

Abstract

The full inclusion movement (FIM) has unintended consequences for children with disabilities when the meaning of inclusion primarily focuses on place, not appropriateness of instruction. The roots of the FIM are long, and it is now a world-wide phenomenon emphasizing place of instruction rather than appropriateness and effectiveness of instruction. It has also been part of attempts to reform education for children with disabilities. Inclusive special education balances considerations of placement and instruction and is an alternative way forward that does not deny any student the right to appropriate education.