What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) placement?

What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) placement?

• A. The placement at the end of the IEP
• B. The most inclusive setting regardless of supports
• C. A separate residential facility
• D. The general education classroom with no supports

Answer: (A)

Least Restrictive Environment means placing a student with disabilities in settings with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate, and providing the supports and services needed to participate successfully. The IEP team determines this by considering the student’s abilities and what supports (such as aides, modifications, assistive technology, or inclusive teaching strategies) are necessary. If the student can access the general curriculum and participate meaningfully with those supports, that setting is the LRE. Only if the student cannot be educated effectively in that setting with supports would a more restrictive placement be considered, and even then, the goal is to minimize restrictions. The overarching idea is inclusion first, with supports tailored to the individual, and ongoing reevaluation to adapt as needed.

Least Restrictive Environment means placing a student with disabilities in settings with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate, and providing the supports and services needed to participate successfully. The IEP team determines this by considering the student’s abilities and what supports (such as aides, modifications, assistive technology, or inclusive teaching strategies) are necessary. If the student can access the general curriculum and participate meaningfully with those supports, that setting is the LRE. Only if the student cannot be educated effectively in that setting with supports would a more restrictive placement be considered, and even then, the goal is to minimize restrictions. The overarching idea is inclusion first, with supports tailored to the individual, and ongoing reevaluation to adapt as needed.