Results may vary from school to school, even year to year at the same school. This is true for both models.

It depends on how the school district handles special education. My son is in a small special needs class but gets to go to a typical classroom for different activities throughout the day with an aide. I think it's wonderful he gets to be around typical peers to work on social/emotional skills.

My son has always been placed in small classes since age 3. He had 1:1 support starting in middle school for his general ed classes. Ultimately it all depends on what the IEP team recommends, your input as your child’s advocate/parent, and what you agree or disagree with. You know your child best. 😄

Both of my kids were in Special Education classes. However, there are 2 kinds of special education classes. Collaborative which is 1/2 spec ed and general ed. The other is just a small spec ed class of 7 kids. Which one are they recommending ? i My kids were in both types and did very well for the most part. They made friends in the small class and not the collaborative one. In the small one they had more confidence because it was very small. and I found that in the very small spec ed class the teacher and aides are more understanding and don't expect a lot of the students.This is my experience w/ them.