> > Deri Wrote,

> > I do not understand the "holy grail" of mainstreaming, why do you
> > see it as an advantage (and that's not aimed at you Betty, but
> > all the posters who see a stigma attached to Special Ed).
>
> > Cheers

> Dearest Sir Deri,

Forsooth comely lady, I would fain tourney at the jousts for a hand as fair
as thine.

>
> I think what has happened in the US came with a phrase known as "least
> restrictive environment", that was held up as that holy grail you mention,
> the era of mainsteaming.

> Hope I can explain what I mean.

Gadzooks fair maiden, 'tis certain.

> If there was a child with a disability, the optimum placement for him,
> would be in a classroom that didn't look like the old Sp. Ed. classrooms
of
> the 60s and 70s (e.g.--special education kids were NOT SEEN in the regular
> local school building--and if they were, it was only at lunchtime when
they
> were "brought out"). Basically the pendulum swung to the extreme (which is
> the typical American educational system way--and yes, it does come full
> circle quickly). What is happening now is that many kids with disabilities
> are in regular classrooms all day long with an intervention specialist (we
> used to be called classroom teachers). So what has happened is many
parents
> see this as their child getting to be "normal" with the "normal kids", so
> many demand this kind of education for their kids. And for some, it is  a
> fabulous fit--the kids are successful and productive and that is where
> they should be.

Of course, mainstreaming can work for some, it is the feeling  I get  from
some parents that they see it as a goal in itself, and that failure to
achieve
this "norm" has some sort of stigma attached to it, and imply that Sp Ed
equals
substandard education. I do know there were bad Sp Ed schools in the 60s
70s,
but there were good ones too.

> For other kids it is a dismal failure. They don't get services required,
> they aren't making friends with their "normal" peers, and struggle with
the
> demands of the regular classroom teacher.

Mainstream schools are very hierarchical, and the hierarchy is normally
based
on two things, physical prowess and communication skills. Unfortunately
these
are 2 areas where us CPers don't normally excel. This means it is harder to
gain that inner core of self connfidence which is going to carry us forward
for the rest of our lives.

> Basically, what I saw happening was a trend towards a one-size fits-all
> approach to Sp. Ed. and the benefit of serving the child's individual
needs
> was lost (despite having a detailed IEP).

> Kind of missing those Sp.Ed. middle schoolers!
> Laura
> 3yr. stay at home mom--14 yr. Sp.ed. Veteran--and loved it--yes,even those
> midlle school nuckleheads

Fair Laura, la Dame de Cleveland, here's one Sir Knight who must get down
to work. (Once a night is sufficient for any old Galahad!!)

--
Deri James
"I'm a lumberjack and I'm Ok"


****************************************************
This email (and any attachments) is intended for the
personal attention of the addressee(s) and is,
therefore, confidential. If you are not the intended
recipient you should not copy or use it or disclose
its contents, but should contact the sender
immediately
****************************************************