Although a number of schools have tried to emphasize the importance of diversity to their students, a new study is suggesting that reforms have caused the opposite effect.

The impact of students' social, cultural and economic backgrounds could affect a child negatively, as there is an increased emphasis on standardization and individual choice, which the study, published in the International Journal of Special Education, suggests counteracts previous concepts.

However, the study reports there still should be some diversity in the school system, such as children with special needs, as most will not be able to accomplish what those without disabilities can achieve.

"What's paradoxical is that the trend of increasing differences is occurring at the same time as politicians are promoting a school for everyone and the concept of inclusion has become a political buzzword," said lead researcher Girma Berhanu.

Additionally, the report found that classrooms without children with special needs saw higher student achievement. Berhanu is hoping that these findings may help boost the awareness for having teachers specifically for children with special needs or immigrant students who require more attention to catch up with their peers.