General Education Mainstreaming Vs. Special Education Programs: Which is Academically and Socially Better for Mild to Moderately Disabled Students?

Author

Casey Young, California State University, Monterey Bay

Date

Spring 2015

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Department

Liberal Studies

Abstract

When it comes to having their children educated, many parents of elementary school-aged children with special needs sometimes feel overwhelmed when it comes to deciding what educational path or program is the most suitable to promote success in their child’s needs, especially in the areas of academics and social life. They also sometimes feel like they don’t have, or don’t know they have, many options to choose from when it comes to their child’s education. However, what many parents don’t know is that there are actually many educational options for their special needs child. Two of the most important and most popular options are mainstreaming and special education programs. Mainstreaming is the process of enrolling student with special needs into a “traditional,” general education classroom. Special education consists of programs and/or a classroom experience specifically designed for children with special needs. Both educational paths help students with special needs succeed academically and socially. However, knowing which path is a better choice depends on who the child is as a person and student, and how they learn.

Comments

Capstone Project (B.A.) Liberal Studies Department

Recommended Citation

Young, Casey, "General Education Mainstreaming Vs. Special Education Programs: Which is Academically and Socially Better for Mild to Moderately Disabled Students?" (2015). Capstone Projects and Master's Theses. 593.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/caps_thes_restricted/593