What Does “Least Restrictive Environment” Mean in Relation to Learning Disabled Children?
Least Restrictive Environment is one of the main principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The U.S. Department of Education regulations state that each public agency or school must ensure that: 1) To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are non-disabled. 2) Special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. Students with learning disabilities who are eligible will have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) that determines what is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) appropriate for the student. Many parents, especially those just beginning an IEP, may not understand what
