school-wide restructuring program called, Success for All, student achievement was measured and several positive changes were noticed: a reduced fear of human differences accompanied by increases comfort and awareness, growth in social cognition, improvement in self- concept of non-disabled students, development of personal principles and ability to assume an advocacy role toward their peers and friends with disabilities, and warm and caring friendships. However, for inclusion to be successful, adequate supplementary aids and support services must be present. The teacher needs to prepare students to be accepting of the special needs students by being honest about the nature of the child's disability and/or behavior difficulty. Although inclusion seems like a great idea that should be of some form of benefit for all involved, if not handled properly it can become a very stressful situation. As an elementary school student, I remember being in my classroom about mid-semester and the teacher announcing that we would be having and additional student joining us. She went on to explain that this particular boy had had difficulty in his previous school due to behavioral problems but that she was going to try to work with him. She asked that if he ever acted out towards us, that we not retaliate but instead go to her or the principle and tell the...
