Mainstreaming Revisited

This article provides an overview of critical issues and practices associated with the integration of exceptional students into regular education settings. Emphasis is on differentiating mainstreaming from the statutory mandate for education in the "least restrictive environment" appropriate to a learner's instructional characteristics. Specific topics include prereferral intervention, reintegration, assessment and special instructional strategies used with special learners in regular education programs, technological advances for special learners in mainstream settings, consultation and conferencing, and integration of learners with severe handicaps. Changing roles of elementary educators serving students with disabilities are highlighted.