Mainstreaming

[Guest guest]

I think I was misunderstood and/or I put way to much into the standard

course of study and IEP goals and objectives. I want the students in

my program (cck self contained) to be in the mainstream as much as

possible but I don't want to sacrifice academics but I get the feeling

that in the early grades being in the reg. ed. class is more important

for social development and acceptance as per the group members. I

guess, I'm hung up on getting my students where they need to be so I

can get them in the mainstream for big chunks of time where they can be

successful and independent. It is difficult for me to send children

into a reg. K when I know they cannot funtion independently and need

extra support when there are no teacher assistants in the kindergarten

classrooms. I have one TA and 12 students. We can't possibly be in

seven different places at once. We are able to join them extension

with the reg. K because they all go at one time. I understand IDEA and

where we are headed but wonder if this is in the best interest of all

students especially in a district that does not offer self contained

settings for children working on the standard course of study at middle

and high school. I want to get them ready for the big jump by

alllowing them to grow and mature in my setting for as long as

necessary. Please advise.