I am writing in regards to the Mars parent who objects to her daughter being in an inclusion classroom.

I am curious if that mother has sought out parents who had children previously in an inclusion room at Mars? I wonder what they would say?

I observed a first grade inclusion room last year, and I must say "yes" the class was not your typical class. Instead of 25 to 27 students there were 20 to 21. Instead of one teacher teaching children of various abilities, not just high and average, you have two certified teachers that worked together and extra adult hands to work with the children with individualized education plans. I saw more opportunities for small group instruction. In addition to, more opportunities for the time consuming, memorable, hands-on learning activities. The extra help of other adults in the classroom enabled the teachers to do this. That is because even though the job of those extra hands are to help one specific child, often you will find them helping other children in the class as well.

Most families would love to have that opportunity for their child: small classroom size, low teacher to child ratio, more small group instruction, more hands on learning. I know I would!

You will find children of all abilities in every classroom not just inclusion rooms. A parent must teach tolerance for others. If the child becomes frustrated that they need to wait, then maybe suggest to the child helping those who are having a hard time. I believe it is when you teach a skill then you truly mastered it.

One more item. This parent is wanting her daughter to be tested for the gifted program. I wonder if she knows that if her daughter is labeled as "gifted" that she too will have an individualized education plan.

It is time for this mother to learn that her daughter needs to be included with all types of children. I hope the Mars School Board sees how truly ridiculous this mother is, and supports the Mars principal.