The purpose behind IDEA ’04, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is to protect their individual rights, accommodate recognized needs,

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and provide the best possible education and setting for students with disabilities. Since the inception of NCLB, No Child Left Behind, there has been a concerted effort to ensure that schools are doing their part for those that need additional assistance and help in school.

Mainstream is not Upstream

One of the provisions of making life fair for a student that is classified with an IEP, Individual Education Plan, is that IDEA ’04 clause that states that there will be a little interference as possible in the learning environment. While this sounds somewhat like a contradiction, the intention is to allow students to experience school without disruption, until it becomes evident that someone must step in and help.

This means that students will be in mainstream classrooms for as much of the school day and possible. This allows them to socialize with their peers without pressure, and it pushes them to function and learn in a setting that will ultimately prepare them for college and other educational environments.

The Benefits of Stretching Students

The overall benefit of stretching students in the classroom helps to create an independent learner, or so that is the philosophy. By placing students into a mainstream environment, there will be positive peer pressure to work and learn, as opposed to being dependant on an aid or Special Education teacher. The result is stronger students that can handle the information presented over time.