Career Technical Education (CTE) classes offer benefits for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) by providing pathways to postsecondary education and paid employment. CTE programs help students develop essential workplace competencies including effective communication, critical thinking, and collaboration with others. This section highlights some of the research on the importance of including students with IDD in CTE courses.

IDEA Law and practices

Initiated in 1975, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) holds that students with disabilities are to be served in the least restrictive environment, and alongside their peers without disabilities, to the greatest possible extent. Despite IDEA becoming law nearly 50 years ago, students with disabilities still face inequities. This is especially true when it comes to the inclusion of students with significant cognitive and adaptive needs. Federal statistics show that 79% of students eligible for special education under the category of Intellectual Disability spend less than 80% of their school day in the general education environment (NCES, 2024).

Academic Impact on Students with Disabilities

Literature indicates that inclusion has a positive impact on the academic growth of students with disabilities. Several studies have acknowledged that students with disabilities who spent most of their day in inclusive classrooms showed greater academic progress than students taught in separate special education classrooms (Choi et al., 2017; Cole et al., 2021; Pierson, 2013).

Furthermore, Theobald et al. (2017) concluded that students with IEPs in inclusive settings showed not only stronger academic outcomes, but also had significantly fewer absences, higher rates of on-time graduation, and higher rates of college attendance and employment. The benefits of inclusive education are linked to effective classroom practices like cooperative learning, peer tutoring, and collaborative problem-solving, which enhances learning for all students (Kefallinou et al., 2020).

Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN)

CCTS is a member of the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN), a collaborative effort of technical assistance and support providers working with OSPI to enhance inclusion for students with IEPs in Washington state.

One focus of the IPTN is addressing disparities in our education system by changing systems and practices that restrict choices and opportunities for students with IDD. The IPTN acknowledges that students with IDD continue to be systematically excluded from general education settings in Washington schools. By driving systemic changes that support students with IDD, the IPTN aims to benefit all students and improve the overall education system in Washington.

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