General Education Default and Student Benefit in Inclusive Learning Environments: An Analysis for School Leaders

Overview & Synopsis

A contextual analysis of the general education default and student benefit is presented from the perspective of school-based compliance with federal mandates from IDEIA [Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act] of 2004. A goal was to inform school administrators striving to develop and maintain effective, inclusive learning environments and indirectly improve the quality of education for students with disabilities. Topics include a historical overview of special education in the United States, student first language, school postures frequently leading to due process hearings, summaries from court cases across the United States, and professional development resources. Information presented is useful for guiding constructive, practical special education decision-making processes and may help school administrators keep their special education programs out of court. (Contains 3 tables.) [Portions of this paper were previously presented at Conversations in Leadership Series, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, September 20, 2011.]