Boy in the World

“Inclusion” is education-speak for putting special-needs students in a regular (as opposed to special education-oriented) classroom. Although this may be the ideal setting for many special-needs students, it doesn't happen for every child in every school district (for various reasons, ranging from added costs to parent/teacher concerns). Filmmaker Jessica Jennings' documentary Boy in the World takes a look at how one preschool adapted in order to welcome Ronen, a four-year-old boy with Down syndrome. Inclusion “sets the bar higher” for special needs kids both in terms of greater challenges than those found in a special education class, and in learning to deal with “the rest of the world,” where they'll be spending their lives. Several child development and education specialists are interviewed here, all of whom strongly support inclusive classrooms, while also reminding parents that school can't do it all: parents need to integrate their children into daily social activities and not sequester them. Also touching on topics including working with administrations and the crucial role of the independent learning aide, Boy in the World is an informative and engaging documentary. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (R. Reagan)