The Pros and Cons of Mainstreaming

Mainstreaming is a very controversial subject in world of education, yet it is such a milestone event for all special needs children. After researching the history of handicapped and special needs children, I have a stronger outlook on the subject matter. As a teacher in training I feel that all children must feel comfortable, safe, and free in order to grow and to discover. Mainstreaming can achieve such a goal for most special needs children today. Yet, as always, there are some exceptions.

First of all, I must explain the history of mainstreaming, and the leaps and bounds our nation has over come to arrive to a place of understanding our future citizen’s needs. In the early twentieth century our national, state, and local governments’ funded the outburst of intuitions and hospitals for the mentally ill, and for the physically disabled. The increasing admissions had resulted in major overcrowding. Funding was often cut, especially during periods of economic decline, and during wartime. It became notorious for poor living conditions, lack of hygiene, overcrowding, ill-treatment, and abused patients. [1] Most family members were so shamed to have son, daughter, brother, or sister to have such an illness, and shunned the “imbecile” away. Out of sight, and out of society. Most patients were left to decay, and forget.

Subsequent to War World II, many individual and parent-organized advocacy groups formed such as, American Association on Mental Deficiency, United Cerebral Palsy Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and John F. Kennedy’s Panel on Mental Retardation. Americans were forming a voice as the civil rights movement helped pave the way. This movement called for the monumental event, the Public Law 94...

... middle of paper ...

...ping a disabled child, and the impact that would have on each student. As adults, most of us strive on each others help and guidance as we look for appreciation and respect. I believe there is a need for classrooms that involve mainstreaming and inclusion. I also recognize the exceptions of severe disabled cases which may be impossible to achieve any growth in a mainstreamed class. All humans have limitations and strong points so let’s gain knowledge and respect together.

Works Cited

1. Fakhourya W, Priebea S (August 2007). "Deinstitutionalization and reinstitutionalization: major changes in the provision of mental healthcare". Psychiatry 6: 313–316. doi:10.1016/j.mppsy.2007.05.008. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1476179307001085.

2. Ryan, Cooper ( 2009). Those Who Can, Teach 11th Edition Chapter 3 66 Houghten-Mifflen, Chicago,