Which learners are included in an inclusive classroom?

Concept: Inclusive education is based on equity and participation: learners with differing abilities and educational needs learn together in the same classroom, with suitable support and accommodations.

It does not create a separate class for only one category of learner.

Application: An inclusive classroom therefore brings general-education learners together with learners who have special educational needs. The phrase ‘both general-education learners and learners with special educational needs’ expresses this defining feature.

Contrast: The alternatives are narrower or segregated arrangements:

• ‘Only general-education learners’ excludes learners who need additional support.

• ‘Only learners with special educational needs’ describes separation rather than inclusion.

• ‘Only multilingual and gifted learners’ names two groups but still excludes the wider range of learners.

Result: Both general-education learners and learners with special educational needs are included in an inclusive classroom.