The teachers and schools pushed for mainstreaming back in the 60's . As a part of their empire building they wanted to be able to hire and control more budget. the one on one programs for disabled kids developed from lawsuits centered around equal access to education. I don't feel sorry for the teachers at all. If the schools would cut all the bullshiat from their budgets they would have plenty of money and support. Our middle school just placed # 6 in the state in reading and math MSP not because we have a bigger budget or more teachers but because of parent volunteers and community involvement with the school management. There is still 50% waste in time and resource that could be applied to the core subjects.