Inclusive classrooms or education began with the re-authorization of the IDEA Act of 1997. Amendments made to this act gave authorization for an inclusive education approach to special education students who do not have allying needs that prevent education in a mainstream setting.
Inclusive classrooms are an authorized special educational approach. Students within inclusive classrooms have varying levels of physical or cognitive abilities, and may be mainstream or special education students.
This differentiated instruction approach is designed to integrate mainstream and special education students to ensure that special education students receive the same education as mainstream peers. Students in an inclusive setting are required to function and learn in the same setting regardless of disability.
Inclusive classrooms not only benefit students with special needs, they benefit all students. Diversity in the classroom allows all students to learn how to interact and build relationships with peers who may not have the same physical or cognitive abilities.
According to the IDEA Act of 1997, students with special needs should be instructed within the classroom with the exception of those who have supplementary aids that would inhibit effective classroom instruction in this setting.