As special ed students are integrated more at school, teacher training is evolving
Briefly

Kellen Hedler, a fourth-grader with Down syndrome, demonstrates the benefits of inclusive education, spending over 80% of his day in a general education classroom. His teacher, Adam Frederick, admits that traditional teacher training often lacks sufficient focus on special education strategies. Historically, the number of students with disabilities in general education has increased significantly, from less than one-third in 1989 to more than two-thirds by 2022. This surge highlights the importance of robust teacher training programs, yet the largest U.S. universities show a patchy approach to special education courses for aspiring teachers, revealing a crucial area for improvement.
Kellen Hedler, a fourth-grader with Down syndrome, exemplifies the success of inclusion in education, spending over 80% of his school day alongside non-disabled peers.
General education teachers, like Adam Frederick, often feel underprepared to teach special education students, highlighting a gap in teacher education programs.
The rise in students with disabilities included in general education settings has increased significantly since 1989, necessitating more comprehensive teacher training.
Despite growing inclusion, the largest universities in the U.S. have inconsistent special education course requirements, indicating a need for reform in teacher preparation.
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