Final answer:
Mainstreaming refers to the educational practice of educating children with disabilities in both special education and regular classrooms intermittently.
Step-by-step explanation:
When educating children with a disability partially in a special education classroom and partially in a regular classroom, the mixed approach is referred to as mainstreaming. This method balances time spent in specialized classrooms designed to address specific needs with participation in standard classroom settings, providing a blend of supports. On the other hand, inclusion is a method that involves fully immersing students with disabilities into standard classrooms with appropriate support systems in place.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) underscores the right of all children to an education and provides for individualized educational plans to facilitate the best possible learning outcomes. Mainstreaming has been part of a broader conversation about ensuring universal access to education while bearing in mind the varying requirements of students with disabilities. These considerations are an ongoing aspect of social and educational policy discourse.