Answer to Question 1
Traditional standardized assessment elicits responses that can be compared to those of members of the norm groupa representative group of the same age. Ecological assessment compares the childs performance to the demands and expectations of activities and tasks in the childs environment.
Ecological assessment should take place across a variety of settings and during natural routines. It generates individualized goals and objectives and allows the teacher to plan special instruction.
Standardized assessment elicits the childs responses to a set of standardized tasks thought to represent major skills/abilities in the area. It determines the childs status relative to same-age peers, and is used for diagnosis and determination of eligibility for special education services.
Answer to Question 2
Arguments for inclusion typically include greater involvement with typical peers, exposure to mainstream curriculum, and reduced social stigmatization associated with being different. Students should touch on the fact that interactions among children can promote modeling of appropriate language.