Special Education/Integration in Spain: Highlighting Similarities and Differences with Mainstreaming in the USA

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the changes occurring in special education in Spain by highlighting the historical, social, and legal aspects of the transition that has lead to the current integration process. The paper also includes a brief description of the mainstreaming efforts in the USA, and their social and legal foundations. Although there is substantial overlap in the practical issues confronting both countries, significant differences exist in the areas of constitutional and legislative foundations as well as in practical mainstreaming efforts and professional roles. As a result, policies have evolved along separate paths within each national context. Yet the Spanish integration at its initial stage is at risk of uncritically adopting decisions that have been taken in the USA. The paper attempts to alert administrators and other professionals in special education against direct replication of other mainstreaming models. Concerns and recommendations are further discussed.