ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the concept of the inclusive classroom. When thinking about the inclusive classroom and its unique ambiance, one must first consider the needs of the range of students within the classroom. Mercer and Lane stated it best in their assessment of the needs in an inclusive classroom: Students who are academically gifted, those who have had abundant experiences, and those who have demonstrated proficiency with lesson content typically tend to perform well when instruction is anchored at the “implicit” end of the instructional continuum. One benefit of choice is its ability to meet the needs of so many different students and their learning styles. Another benefit of choice is a greater sense of independence for the students, some who have not had the opportunity to think about their own learning in the past.
