To Integrate or Not to Integrate?
Educational theory changes constantly. As knowledge about how children learn evolves, knowledge of the best way to teach also evolves. Nowhere is this more evident than in the area of classroom integration.
"Throughout my teaching career, I've seen the pendulum swing from one extreme to the other, from total segregation to total integration," comments Carmie MacLean of Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay, Nunavut.
At one time, complete segregation of students of different abilities was the norm. It was believed that the different academic curricula and training, tailored to the needs and abilities of the various groups, was best administered separately, often in separate facilities.
"I began my teaching career at just such a school," explains Kathy Forsythe-Lantz of Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School in Baden, Ontario, "and almost immediately started pushing for changes."
As recognition of the importance of independence, self-esteem and social acceptance in the learning process developed, classroom integration was seen as a better way to accommodate and help special needs children.
Now, it's changing again.
"I'm 100 percent for integration, but only when there's a benefit to the students," says Forsythe-Lantz. In many cases, classroom integration only increases a child's sense of isolation by highlighting how different he or she is, academically or physically, from other children. Complete integration works well in kindergarten, a choir or minimally academic music program and tech courses (within limits), she says.
"There's no one right answer," agrees MacLean. "Many children benefit from full inclusion; others don't." Where a child will go to school should be decided case by case, she says. "On the whole, I encourage integration," she continues. "It's helpful for children to understand and accept that we've all got something different about ourselves."
Both teachers agree that the best solution is a system with educational options ranging from complete segregation and complete integration, so that educators, parents and students can choose the best solution for their individual situation.