Inclusion has become a major trend and issue for many classrooms today. Consider this ethical dilemma from Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education:

Jennifer Curry, a first-grade teacher at Eagle Ridge Elementary School, has learned that a child with autism will join her regular education classroom. Although Jennifer understands that more children with special needs are being included in regular education classrooms, she feels apprehensive about becoming responsible for the education of a child with autism. She has never taught a student with autism before and is not sure where to start. However, Jennifer is willing to provide the best experiences for this child and all of the students in her class.

Other teachers are not as supportive of the school’s inclusive education policy and have voiced their concerns. One teacher stated, “Soon all of our classrooms will have children with special needs in them. How will we give enough attention to all of the students in our class?” The conversation ended with the teacher saying to Jennifer, “You need to go to the principal and tell her you won’t do this. If you agree to take a kid with autism, pretty soon we will all be given difficult children to teach.” (Morrison et al., 2020, p. 124)

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• What should Jennifer do? Should she say something to the outspoken teacher? If so, what? If not, why not?
• Should Jennifer tell the principal that she is not comfortable having children with special needs in her class? Explain your answer.
• Should Jennifer seek out the special educators in her school and ask for their support? Explain your answer.
• Is there someone else whom Jennifer could ask for advice and support? Or, should Jennifer just let it go and try on her own?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Jennifer Curry a firstgrade teacher at Eagle Ridge Elementary School has learned that a child with autism will join her regular education classroom Al... View the full answer