Inclusion vs. Mainstreaming
February 15th, 2011
Inclusion and mainstreaming are common terms used Special Education. It’s Important to remember that terms are different. Typically the IEP team that determines if mainstreaming or inclusion is appropriate based on the students specific needs.
Inclusion involves supporting students with disabilities, in the general education class, so that they are able to access the general education curriculum and be held to the same high expectation as their peers.
Mainstreaming is the process of selectively placing special education students in general education classes based on a student’s ability to perform.
February 16th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
When students with disabilities are included in a general learning classroom, are they actually held to the same standards as the students without disabilities? That would not be very fair. I was under the impression that once a student has an IEP or has been categorized as an advanced learner (GATE), that no matter where they are placed, their teaching must adhere to the conditions of their specail program. If students with disabilities are expected to perform at the general level, what is the purpose of working with them and preparing them to advance to general instruction? Does anyone have more information on thsi issue?
March 27th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
In my opinion the difference between mainstreaming and inclusion are; mainstreaming implies an obligation and inclusion implies that the child is wanted in the classroom.
March 31st, 2011 at 9:32 am
My son attends an elementary school where many students with disabilities are integrated into the general education classrooms. The students that are integrated have a modified curriculum, not quite as much work as the other students. The children with disabilities that are not mainstreamed into the general education classrooms tend to have a disability that is more severe.
April 6th, 2011 at 9:10 am
Erika could not have worded her definition better than I could have. I feel that if children are giong to be mainstreamed or included that it is important that ALL teachers take a “crash” course of Special Education in order to learn about the students that are now being involved in the classroom and learn how to work with them in order to help them reach their fullest potential.
April 8th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
I would like to know if a child is involved in inclusion, if it benefits them or hinders them because of the teacher lacking the time and help needed to aid that child.
April 9th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
I support mainstream because I thing that classes for special education students, should be based on student’s ability.
March 2nd, 2012 at 6:42 pm
I agree with Erika but like how Traci put it and also agree with Elisa and think students should be pushed to get the best results so it betters them in the long run .
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:44 pm
I think it is so true that most teachers do not know how to fully integrate children into the classroom, they still make them feel like outsiders. It is important to really understand special education and how to really help a child grow