Mainstreaming and integration are two terms that are often used interchangeably to
describe the process of including students with disabilities in regular classrooms.
However, there are some differences between the two concepts. Mainstreaming
refers to the practice of placing students with disabilities in regular classrooms for
part or all of the school day, with accommodations and modifications to support
their learning. Integration, on the other hand, aims towards an inclusive learning
environment where students with disabilities are fully included in the regular
classroom setting.
Mainstreaming refers to placement of a student with disabilities into ongoing
activities of regular classrooms so that the child receives education with
nondisabled peers — even if special education staff must provide supplementary
resource services.
Integration includes mainstreaming into regular classes and access to,
inclusion, and participation in the activities of the total school environment.
Integration combines placement in public schools with ongoing structured and
non-structured opportunities to interact with nondisabled, age-appropriate peers.
A student with severe disabilities should be able to participate in many general
school activities such as lunch, assemblies, clubs, dances or recess. The student
should also be able to participate in selected activities in regular classes such as
art, music, or computers. The student should also be able to participate in regular
academic subjects in regular classes if appropriate curriculum modifications are
made and adequate support is provided. The student should be able to use the
same facilities as nondisabled students including hallways, restrooms, libraries,
cafeterias and gymnasiums.
Integration can refer to integration of a special education student into a regular
education classroom in the same sense as in “mainstreaming.” However,
“integration” also refers to placement of students in special education classes
located on integrated school sites (that is, sites that have both special and
regular education classes). An “integrated” placement includes systematic efforts
to maximize interaction between the student with disabilities and nondisabled
peers.
Mainstreaming supports that students with special needs may benefit in general
education classroom. The learning process is the same as his/her peers but it may
differ in the way he/she is being assessed as long as progress is evident in the
regular classroom. Integration aims towards an inclusive learning environment.
IT integration, or systems integration, is the connection of data, applications, APIs,
and devices across your IT organization to be more efficient, productive, and agile.
Integration not only connects, but it also adds value through the new functionalities
provided by connecting different systems’ functions.
Integration involves placing a student with a disability in a regular class but
without any individualised supports and with a teacher who is unwilling or
unable to meet the learning, social, or disability support needs of the child.
How does inclusive education differ from integration and
mainstreaming?
The difference between integration and inclusion is that integration refers to
the process of educating children with special needs in mainstream
classrooms, while inclusion involves a much deeper level of participation for
students with disabilities in normal learning activities, according to ICEVI-
[Link].
Why is mainstreaming important?
Mainstreaming allows children with ID to receive education alongside their
non-disabled peers. The primary advantage of mainstreaming is that it
provides a natural, real-world environment. In such an environment,
important life skills are learned. A regular classroom has several real-world
learning advantages.
What is integration in lesson plan?
In general, integration is defined as the process of combining two or more
things into one. Within education, integrated lessons take on a similar
meaning in that they combine two or more concepts into one lesson. These
integrated units involve many different concepts across all major subject
areas.
What is the meaning of mainstreaming?
1. the act of placing a pupil with additional support needs into a class for
those without additional support needs. 2. the act of incorporating a social
group, etc, into the mainstream. the mainstreaming of gay culture.
What is integration for special needs?
If school personnel talk about extra adaptations or services to help the child
fit into a classroom, it is integration. References to overcoming problems,
acquiring functional abilities and support worker for the child will be used.
Look at the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Our society is enriched by the diversity of its people. Individuals
with disabilities can and should contribute to this richness, and
inclusion is the way to make it happen.
Kathie Snow