In special education, what is meant by "mainstreaming"?

Mainstreaming refers to the practice of placing students with disabilities in general education classrooms for a portion of the school day. This approach supports the inclusion of students with diverse needs within the regular education setting, allowing them to participate in the same environment as their typically developing peers. This practice can promote social integration, provide opportunities for peer interactions, and enrich the educational experience for all students involved. Mainstreaming recognizes that students with disabilities can benefit from exposure to a broader range of instructional techniques and social dynamics found in general education classrooms, while still receiving the specialized support or services they need.

The other options do not accurately describe mainstreaming. Segregation, teaching separately, and integrating only academically gifted students do not align with the principles of inclusion and collaboration that mainstreaming aims to achieve. Mainstreaming is about inclusion and ensuring that students with disabilities have access to the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers.