ABSTRACT
The chapter “Navigating Concerns Relating to Educational Setting: School Placement and Goodness of Fit” discusses the importance of school placement and the concept of “goodness of fit” for children with special learning needs. The chapter emphasizes the critical role of teachers in a child’s educational success, highlighting that good teachers have a significant positive impact on students’ outcomes. It distinguishes between mainstreaming and inclusion as two approaches to integrating students with disabilities into the general education classroom. The chapter advocates for inclusive practices and challenges and the notion of unnecessary segregation and labeling of students with disabilities. It also explores the benefits of inclusivity for all students and addresses the shortcomings of the special education system. The chapter concludes by introducing the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) as an effective framework for early identification and intervention for struggling students, providing evidence-based interventions at different tiers based on student needs. It offers resources for further information on MTSS and evidence-based interventions.
