Inclusion also teaches the non-SN kids how to cope with people who aren't like them. My son is autistic and is in a regular classroom. All the SN kids at his school are mainstreamed.

In two weeks, his services coordinator and I are doing a lesson for the class (kindergarten) on autism so they understand a bit more why he acts the way he does, because he has become a bit of a target. Academically, though, he's at the top of the class so he definitely isn't holding anyone back.

Chabash: lucksi: While it is sweet and all, I have to wonder why he is in a normal school. Does he even have a snowball's chance in hell to graduate? Is he not holding back the class?

Because over the years, the role of schools has been expanded as services to disabled children have disappeared. Think of it as a very expensive babysitting job.

DRTA but depending on the disability, going to a 'normal' school can be beneficial in helping those with disabilities learn social skills they most likely won't get elsewhere.

FWIW, the HS in my town voted a couple with Down's syndrome their homecoming King and Queen.