Discussions on the Regular Education Initiative (REI) have not addressed the significant differences that exist between the organizational structures, curricula, and other features of elementary and secondary schools. It is argued here that wholesale application of the REI to both elementary and secondary schools is a gross oversimplification of a complex problem. This article reviews potential barriers to implementing the REI with mildly handicapped adolescents in secondary schools and then discusses a set of factors central to developing a workable partnership that is compatible with the intent and goals of the REI but that is also realistic in responding to the unique parameters of secondary schools.
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