What is Mainstreaming and Should Schools Do It?

"Mainstreaming" is a term that was coined in the 1970s. It describes the practice of educating students with disabilities and non-disabled peers in the same classroom. The purpose of mainstreaming is to make classrooms inclusive. However, should schools implement this practice? This is a hotly debated topic. There are proponents that argue for this and many who argue against it. Therefore, I want to look at the advantages and disadvantages of this practice and offer my personal opinion.

To begin, one advantage for special needs children is that this offers them the opportunity to be in a more natural environment. As a student with disabilities, they are often segregated and alienated into a room by themselves. Mainstreaming would allow them to be in a more natural environment with peers surrounding them. This practice prepares them for the "real world", when they are expected to function alongside non-disabled peers. This proves to them they can function and perform alongside their non-disabled peers. This also encourages children with disabilities to learn certain life-skills especially those involving socialization. It encourages them to socialize and participate in activities with their peers. In addition, mainstreaming allows children with disabilities to excel academically by presenting challenges. These challenges no matter how big or small, allow a student to advance. Also, expectations in traditional classrooms are higher than self-involved classrooms and therefore students may achieve greater success when held to higher standards. In addition, research has shown that when students with disabilities are incorporated in a mainstream classroom they often exhibit higher self-esteem. The students no longer see themselves as "separate" or "different". They see themselves as one of their peers and it makes them feel like they aren't any different.

However, there are some that see potential drawbacks and disadvantages to mainstreaming. One concern is that the special education students that are mainstreamed are unlikely to receive the specialized services they need. Many fear that children will not get the one-on-one attention they need.  In addition, some are arguing that mainstreaming is just a way for schools to save money by downsizing special education services. They see that schools are doing this as a budgetary measure and not whats for the best interest of the students. Also, many are concerned with the "appropriateness" of the education children with special needs may receive. Many teachers have little to no training in special education and may place unrealistic demands on special needs children. The advocates against inclusion are fearful that teachers don't have the proper training, resources or other supports necessary to teach students with disabilities. The biggest concern that anti-mainsteaming advocates have is that the disabled children will be disruptive and hinder the learning of their non-disabled peers. In addition, a lot of concerns are centered around hearing-impaired students. Many advocates argue that mainstreaming will cause a significant communication barrier for deaf children and this will lead to lower self-esteem and isolation for these students. Lastly, anti-mainstreaming advocates point out that teachers are being constrained by curricula and syllabi more and more. They fear that the inflexibility of the curriculum won't allow them to accommodate for students with disabilities.

In my opinion, I'm not an advocate for "full inclusion". I think students with disabilities need time to receive specialized services to help them. Therefore, I think students with disabilities should spend a good portion of the day in the mainstream classroom and in a "specialized" classroom. I am most fearful that teachers won't have the proper training and that special needs students will get lost in the classroom. I fear that all the teacher's attention will be given to the special needs students and those who are struggling won't receive the proper help. I think this can then lead to hostility towards the special needs students, as students become aware that all the teacher's time is spent with those students. I love the philosophy of "mainstreaming" and "inclusion". I think its wonderful to not treat students with disabilities any different. However, at this point in time I don't think this is practical. I still would like to see more research conducted to prove that this is a good idea. I wouldn't want to implement "full inclusion" and then 30 years from now have people advocating for special education classes again. I really do want to give students with disabilities an equal chance and an equal education. However, I also want to make sure this is the best thing for every student. I'm concerned for both the students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers. Therefore, I recommend we, as future educators, take baby steps. I think we should incorporate students with disabilities into the mainstream classroom for half the day before totally submerging them in this.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mainstreaming in the Classroom

Mainstreaming Special Education in the Classroom

Concerns About and Arguments Against Inclusion