This study analyzes the literature that has been written about inclusive education and the effect on students in the classroom and compares the information in the literature to three interviews with mothers who have had experiences with inclusive classrooms. Inclusive education is defined as the concept that students with disabilities, regardless of the nature and extent of their disability, should be educated with age-appropriate peers in regular classrooms (with needed supplementary aids and services) in the neighborhood school (Gartner, 2002). The main focus in this study is to examine how the parents view the learning of their child and how the parents view each type of specific learning environments. The study also focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of the different learning environments the families have experienced.
The significance of the study is to help inform families about the advantages and disadvantages of inclusive education from other parent’s perspectives. The study was also made to help schools realize the difference inclusive classrooms can make for their students. Overall, the research found that inclusive settings were the most beneficial to students if the right supports were provided, but due to perceived budget cuts, many schools were not able to provide the support students might need
