Ethical Issues and Value Conflicts in Our Public Schools: A Critical Aspect of the Regular Education Initiative.

Overview & Synopsis

The paper examines the current debate over the Regular Education Initiative within the field of special education. The views of both proponents and opponents are summarized. The paper then identifies five ethical issues and value conflicts which have been largely ignored by both sides and discusses them in the context of the Regular Education Initiative. Issues include: (1) advocacy dilemmas; (2) value differences related to the purposes of education; (3) eligibility criteria for special education services which appear to exclude many at-risk students in need of intervention; (4) excellence versus equity issues; and (5) the impact of educational reform upon at-risk students. It is concluded that the debate can aid in dealing with the economic, social, and educational policies, practices, and priorities which are currently obstacles in fulfilling a real commitment to children in today's society. (Author/DB)