Mainstreaming--A Negative Approach.

Overview & Synopsis

The objective of mainstreaming is admirable, but the benefits received through a "carte blanche" approach of mainstreaming handicapped individuals into physical education classes are doubtful. Mainstreaming has been attempted in physical education for years, with questionable results and, in many cases, it has been discarded as inappropriate. Several factors must be considered before the doors can be opened to mainstreaming in physical education, including the (a) competencies of the physical education generalist, (b) class size, and (c) proper assessment of the individual before mainstreaming placement is considered. In order to appropriately mainstream the disabled and otherwise handicapped population, effective inroads through preservice and inservice training of personnel in adapted physical education must preclude all other processes. (Author/JS)