Introduction to Least Restrictive Environment
Least restrictive environment (LRE) is a guiding principle in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). LRE plays a critical role in determining not only where a student will spend her time in school but also how special education services will be provided.
LRE requirements within IDEA
- Students with disabilities receive their education alongside their peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.
- Students should not be removed from the general education classroom unless learning cannot be achieved even with the use of supplementary aids and services.
LRE determination
LRE is determined on a case-by-case basis during the development of a student’s individualized education program (IEP). During this process, the IEP team—a multidisciplinary group of professionals and the student’s parents—discuss what individualized program of instruction and related services (also referred to as services and supports) the student requires based on her present levels of performance and areas of strengths and needs.
These services and supports should enable the student to:
- Make progress toward meeting identified academic or functional annual goals.
- Be involved and make progress in the general education curriculum, as well as to participate in extracurricular (e.g., drama club) and other nonacademic (e.g., a school football game) activities.
- Take part in these activities with other students, both with and without disabilities.
Learn More: IRIS Center Informational Brief-Least Restrictive Environment