Becky has a part-time job at a local laundry service and plans to continue working and may live on her own after graduation. Her mother credits inclusion with accelerating Becky's learning and s tandard of living. She's learned how to make friends. The long-term benefits are what everyone involved in inclusion is looking toward. Now, it's an adjustment for students, parents, administrators and teachers.
Inclusion differs from mainstreaming, an earlier trend in special education.
Mainstreaming implies students are ready to participate in regular classes. Tutors can accompany students to class and help with a variety of skills, ranging from personal hygiene to note-taking. The inclusion program for developmentally disabled is in its sixth year at Monadnock Regional High School. The students in the Monadnock program used to go to Keene High School for class each day. Now, they stay closer to home, and learn with their neighbors.