Creating Meaningful Inclusion

This study examines the effectiveness of inclusion as a strategy for providing the most appropriate education for students with learning disabilities. The effects of inclusion on academic success, feelings of belonging, and preference for instruction were examined. Contrasting inclusion with pull-out instruction, inclusion was found to enhance academic success only on one of three measures of success. Inclusion did enhance students' feelings of belonging and self worth. Inclusion proved to be students' favored method of instruction. Results support a search for and discussion of those qualities that are critical to nurture in the classroom in order that students move forward with success and confidence in school.