In today’s classroom environment, mainstreaming is becoming a norm specifically in secondary schools. This refers to the inclusion of student with special needs in the general education classroom as appropriate given their abilities and skills. When general education classes and special education classes are combined, the students in either group are able to learn from one another honing their abilities to interact with individuals of diverse skills set and learning basic principles of cooperation and acceptance.

            However, there are many who contend that students with special needs are deserving of special attention, because their mental or physical capabilities are so different from traditional students, they need to be properly attended. Mainstreaming them is being argued.

            Though all arguments and debates on mainstreaming, gauging students ability to work in the same environment as their normal counterparts. It is ensured that the classroom environment is wholly beneficial to all students, providing those with special needs one on one attention and allowing them the opportunity to integrate with their peer in others.

By: Homer F. Santos | Teacher III | Limay National Highschool