Mainstreaming

Mainstreaming is an educational policy and practice of teaching students with special needs in regular classes during specific time periods based on their skills. This means putting students with disabilities in the general education classes for some or most of the day, and bringing them to separate rooms for specific areas where they need more help. This is also known as inclusion.

History

The concept of mainstreaming originated in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The movement sought to challenge segregation and discrimination in all areas of society, including education. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 mandated that children with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment possible, which often meant inclusion in general education classrooms.

Benefits

There are several benefits to mainstreaming. It can help to reduce stigma and discrimination against students with disabilities, as it allows them to interact with their non-disabled peers on a regular basis. It can also provide opportunities for students with disabilities to learn social skills and behaviors from their peers. In addition, mainstreaming can provide academic benefits, as students with disabilities are exposed to the same curriculum as their non-disabled peers.

Challenges

Despite its benefits, mainstreaming also presents several challenges. Teachers may lack the training and resources necessary to effectively teach students with disabilities in a general education classroom. In addition, students with disabilities may struggle to keep up with the pace of instruction in a general education classroom. There may also be social challenges, as students with disabilities may feel isolated or excluded by their peers.

See also

• Special education
• Inclusion (education)
• Individualized Education Program