After much reading about the policies and legislation surrounding inclusive education in Australia today, it has become clear that this is a very controversial. I see real benefits to inclusive education policies and legislation, not just for individual students but for society as a whole, because we, as teachers and the wider school community, can show the world that difference is encouraged, accepted and valued. However, it has become clear that the language and labels used in policies and legislation as well as the implementation of rigid national tests influence attitudes about how society accepts difference. Ashman and Elkins (2009) emphasize the role of education as an agent of socialization. The practices and learning that take place in the school environment play a role in shaping society's values, attitudes and beliefs. I see inclusive education as a positive force in leading our future citizens to accept and value difference. The classroom obviously plays a leading role in socializing tomorrow's citizens by setting an example and teaching students what is right and just. Inclusive education practices show students and society at large that diversity and difference are a rich resource that should be valued and accepted, not feared or ignored, and that all students can succeed. This emphasis on social justice encourages a change in attitudes toward those who may have once been marginalized by society. Through extensive reading, it also became clear that it was society that labeled these people as different and created the language that caused individuals to be marginalized and generalized due to their difference (Wolfensburger, 2002; Boyle and Lauchlan, 2007 & Carrington, 1999). Boyle and Lauchlan (2007, ...... middle of article ...... useful education? Support fo Learning, 22 (1), 36 - 42. Ashman, A. & Elkins, J. (2009). Education for Inclusion and Diversity. Frenchs Forest, New South Wales: Pearson Education Australia. (3), 234-. Shaddock, A. (accessed 2010). Students with disabilities in Australian schools: learning and leading together: University of Canberra, W. (2002). (1), 75 - 80. Jacobs, R. (February 5, 2010). Teachers' union plan is a drastic step. Retrieved from https://learning.secure.griffith.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset. .jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_78878_1&frame=top