Mainstreaming

Definition

Mainstreaming is the practice of placing students with disabilities in general education classrooms for at least part of the school day, promoting their inclusion in typical learning environments. This approach supports the idea that students with diverse needs can benefit from exposure to their peers and can enhance social interactions and academic achievements when provided with appropriate support.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mainstreaming became popular in the 1970s as a response to advocacy for the rights of individuals with disabilities, promoting their access to general education.
2. The effectiveness of mainstreaming often depends on the availability of support services and trained staff who can assist students with disabilities in the general classroom setting.
3. While mainstreaming promotes social interaction, it is essential that the needs of students with disabilities are met to prevent feelings of isolation or frustration.
4. Legislation like IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) has significantly influenced mainstreaming practices by requiring schools to provide appropriate educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
5. Mainstreaming can lead to improved academic outcomes and social skills for students with disabilities, but it requires careful planning and collaboration among educators.

Review Questions

• How does mainstreaming differ from inclusion in educational settings, and what implications does this have for teaching strategies?
  • Mainstreaming focuses specifically on placing students with disabilities into general education classrooms for part of the day, while inclusion emphasizes full participation of all students in regular classes regardless of their abilities. This distinction impacts teaching strategies as mainstreaming may require tailored approaches for transitioning students into general education settings, whereas inclusion promotes universal design principles that benefit all learners. Teachers must adapt their methods and classroom environment to support diverse needs effectively.
• Discuss how legislation such as IDEA has shaped the practice of mainstreaming in schools.
  • IDEA mandates that students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. This has shaped mainstreaming by requiring schools to consider general education placements first before resorting to special education settings. The law has led to increased awareness and responsibility among educators to implement strategies that accommodate diverse learners within mainstream classrooms, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of mainstreaming for students with intellectual disabilities compared to those with hearing impairments, considering social and academic outcomes.
  • The effectiveness of mainstreaming can vary between students with intellectual disabilities and those with hearing impairments due to differing needs and strengths. Students with intellectual disabilities may face challenges in keeping pace with academic expectations in a mainstream environment, which necessitates tailored supports like peer tutoring or specialized instruction. In contrast, students with hearing impairments may thrive in mainstream settings if they have access to appropriate accommodations, such as sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices. Overall, while both groups can benefit from mainstreaming, the strategies must be individualized based on each student's unique requirements and learning styles.

Related terms

Inclusion: Inclusion refers to a broader educational philosophy that advocates for the full participation of all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, in general education settings.

Individualized Education Program (IEP): An IEP is a customized plan developed for students with disabilities, outlining specific educational goals and the services needed to achieve them.

Accommodations: Accommodations are modifications or supports provided to students with disabilities to help them succeed in the classroom, such as extended time on tests or alternative formats for assignments.