Below is a review of some of the links that I have posted in my previous blogs. I find these articles, journals, or websites to be reliable, informative, and insightful on the topic of mainstreaming.
Studies/Statistical Evidence
Zigmund and Baker- This is study that was conducted with the goal of recording the behavior changes of teachers and students in a mainstreamed classroom. It showed that the behavior of teachers did not change, but there were less behavioral issues with the non-handicapped children in the room.
Attitudes- In this study, attitudes towards mainstreaming of teachers, students, and parents are quantified.
Classroom Variables- Statistical evidence of handicapped student’s success in a mainstreamed classroom compared to separated classrooms.
Technology Related to Mainstreaming:
Kelly Driscoll- Kelly is able to take part in regular classroom despite her disabilities with the help of a personal technology system.
Did You Know- A video relating to the shift toward technology in classrooms and worldwide.
Strategies:
Fitting In- Tips for making everyone feel welcome in an inclusive classroom.
A Service Not a Sentence- Support and ideas for implementing mainstreaming.
Inclusion Week- A less commercial website devoted to the ideas of mainstreaming and how it can be accomplished worldwide.
Current Examples in the News:
Abington Heights Middle School- the story of a middle school in Pennsylvania experiencing mainstreaming.
Legal Fight- A legal battle over the question “Must parents of special-education students give public schools a chance before having taxpayers reimburse them for private-school tuition?”
Story of a Teacher- A woman testified for the rights of a handicapped student in school.
Individual Stories:
Kelly Driscoll- Kelly is able to take part in regular classroom despite her disabilities with the help of a personal technology system.
Peter Barnes- The story of a teacher who uses discrete teaching techniques to make children with disabilities less alienated in his mainstreamed classroom.
Opposing View:
Duck!- While teachers in this Pennsylvania town supported inclusion, the parents voiced concerns in this study if “average” students would receive watered down curriculum as a result, and if mainstreaming affected the quality of education received by all.
Arguments For and Against- Systematically lists the pros and cons.
Against- A less formal website, but someone's valid argument against mainstreaming.
