This fact sheet discusses the preparation of students with mental retardation for life in the community. It presents the position of the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) on the education of students with mental retardation, lists the school experiences that best prepare students for life in the community, examines how views of the role of education for students with mental retardation are changing, discusses whether all students should spend all of their time in regular classrooms, compares integration and inclusion with mainstreaming, points out why placement in an age-appropriate integrated setting is important, addresses the family's role in determining appropriate education programming and placement, notes how preparation for employment is accomplished, and presents ARC's role in facilitating quality education. (JDD)