Which concept emphasizes placing students with disabilities in general education environments?

The concept that emphasizes placing students with disabilities in general education environments is inclusion. Inclusion refers to an educational philosophy and practice where students with special needs are integrated into regular classroom settings alongside their peers without disabilities. This approach fosters an environment where all students can learn together, allowing for equal opportunities, social interaction, and participation in the general education curriculum.

Inclusion is rooted in the belief that diversity in the classroom enriches the learning experience for all students and that students with disabilities benefit significantly from being part of a more diverse learning community. It promotes acceptance, understanding, and collaboration among students of all abilities, which is essential for developing social skills and academic success.

Normalization refers to the idea of making the lives of individuals with disabilities as similar as possible to those of individuals without disabilities, which doesn't specifically focus on the educational setting. Deinstitutionalization is focused on moving individuals with disabilities out of institutions into community-based settings, but it doesn’t inherently emphasize inclusion in classrooms. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) guarantees that students with disabilities have access to education tailored to their individual needs, but it doesn't specifically address the integration aspect found in inclusive practices.