The integration of children with special needs has been a huge controversy in the field of education. Many students with disabilities require special attention and need to be in an environment where teachers can accommodate these needs. According to the opposition, placing children with and without disabilities in the same classroom would increase academic engagement and reduce problem behavior. However, educators prove that children with special needs are bullied, still lag behind their non-disabled peers in academic achievement, and are more likely to drop out of school . (Must be cited) Mainstreaming children will encourage bullying of children and persistent stereotypes that undermine their ability to compete in the classroom. The debate on the integration of children with disabilities calls into question the idea of ​​having a closed environment where they can learn effectively. The University of Missouri College of Education states: “The term “special needs” is used to collectively define those who require assistance because of physical, mental, behavioral, or medical disabilities or delays. » (.) Opponents who encourage integration argue that the integration of special needs children is beneficial. They argue that children with disabilities should have equal access to public education and not be left behind because of a disability. Many also question the need to attempt to develop tests to measure academic achievement. Aron and Loprest state: “Special education reform cannot occur in isolation; this requires integration with ongoing reforms in general education” (116). However, the education system will face many problems if children with disabilities are integrated into standard classes. If children with disabilities are not isolated, then problem behavior...... middle of paper ......tends to be extremely lower than that of the average student their age. They learn at a slower pace than the rest of their adolescence and it would be absurd to keep them in fast-paced classes where they are incapable of understanding any material. Not only would these students be left behind, but they wouldn't feel as smart because they aren't absorbing material as quickly as the kids around them. Opponents of the integration of children with special needs dispute that students with disabilities “should be held to different standards while still making progress toward their goals” (Aron et al. 112). Between the 1990s and 2000s, the U.S. Department of Education changed testing for students with disabilities. However, different states identify their students differently and there would always be problems in the system, such as accommodations...