Inclusive Education Vs Special Education

Definitions of Inclusive Education and Special Education

Inclusive education is an system to create a supportive and inclusive learning

educational approach that
aims to provide all students
with equal access to
education. It involves
creating a learning
environment that
accommodates the diverse needs of students,
including those with disabilities, gifted and talented
students, and those who come from diverse cultural
backgrounds. Inclusive education emphasizes the
need for collaboration between teachers, students,
parents, and other stakeholders in the education
environment.
Special education, on the
other hand, is an
educational approach that
focuses on providing education to individuals with
special needs. These may include physical,
intellectual, or sensory disabilities, as well as
behavioral or emotional disorders. Special education
aims to provide students with the necessary support
and resources to enable them to access education
and achieve their full potential.

Goals of Inclusive Education and Special Education

The goals of inclusive education and special education are quite similar. Both approaches aim to provide
all students with access to quality education and promote their academic and personal growth.
However, they differ in their approaches to achieving these goals.

Inclusive education seeks to create a learning environment that accommodates the diverse needs of all
students. It aims to promote social inclusion and reduce discrimination against students with disabilities
or those from marginalized communities. Inclusive education recognizes that all students have unique
strengths and weaknesses, and seeks to create a learning environment that supports their individual
learning needs.

Special education, on the other hand, focuses on providing specialized support to students with special
needs. It aims to provide students with the necessary resources and accommodations to enable them to
access education and achieve their full potential. Special education recognizes that some students
require extra support to overcome their learning challenges, and seeks to provide this support in a
specialized learning environment.
 Inclusive Education Vs Special Education: Top 10
Differences
# Inclusive Education
1 Emphasis on all students learning together,
regardless of abilities or disabilities.
2 All students, regardless of abilities or
disabilities, are taught in the same
classroom.
3 Teachers are trained to teach all students
with diverse needs.
4 Focus on accommodating the needs of all
students.
5 No special labels or diagnoses needed to
receive support.
6 More opportunities for socialization and
integration with peers.
7 Potential for higher academic achievement
for all students.
8 Can reduce stigma and discrimination
against students with disabilities.
9 May require additional resources and
support for teachers and students.
10 Encourages a diverse and inclusive
classroom community.
Special Education
Emphasis on providing individualized education for
students with disabilities.
Students with disabilities are often taught in
separate classrooms or schools.
Teachers are trained to teach students with specific
disabilities.
Focus on adapting the curriculum and environment
to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Students must have a diagnosis or label to receive
special education services.
Less opportunities for socialization and integration
with peers.
Potential for higher academic achievement for
students with disabilities through individualized
instruction.
Can perpetuate stigma and discrimination against
students with disabilities.
May require fewer resources and support for
teachers and students.
Can create a segregated classroom community.