After reviewing evidence from more than 280 studies conducted in 25 countries, Abt found consistent evidence that inclusive educational settings—in which children with disabilities are educated alongside their non-disabled peers—can have substantial benefits for the cognitive and social development of those children.

The research also suggests that inclusion can have important positive benefits for all students, because including a student with a disability requires teachers and school administrators to develop a better understanding of the individual strengths and needs of every student.