As soon as I read what this chapter discussed I thought of Fairview School. It is not my intention to talk badly about this school or show them in a negative light, but I have been shocked by things that I have witnessed, especially in the way special needs students are educated and divided into classes. I am glad for this opportunity because it has opened my eyes to the fact that not every school in America educates student with special needs to the best advantage for the student. One thing that sticks out to me: inclusion. The word inclusion does not come into play in the classroom division in this school. There are distinct "high", "middle", and "low" classes in each grade level. In my opinion, this strategy does not work in the best interest of any of those children, whether they have special needs or not. It is important for children to be around others not exactly like them, as it can help both children learn about others and how to treat/talk to each other. In my "low" class of the day, there is a girl that does not talk very plain. She is called on is class, and those few students in there (it is smaller than other classes) are exposed and able to learn to understand her and communicate with her. There are many students in that class with special needs, and very few in any of the other classes. In 6th grade there is one student that is pulled out for RTI, and he just sits in the general classroom drawing in his notebook while the other children work until time for him to work with the teacher's assistant.
In my opinion, it is extremely important for all students to be involved in projects together. I think that it allows those with special needs to learn how to live in the real world after school has ended, and it helps those without special needs to learn to talk to and accept those different than themselves.
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