What is a key feature of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) concept?

The concept of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is centered around the idea that students with disabilities should have access to education alongside their peers in general education settings to the greatest extent possible. This approach encourages the inclusion of students with special needs within regular classrooms, promoting social interaction, academic engagement, and the development of essential life skills.

Placing students as close to general education settings as feasible means considering what supports or modifications they may need in order to thrive in those environments, rather than defaulting to separate or restrictive settings. This concept aligns with federal regulations, emphasizing that students with disabilities should not be placed in special education classrooms unless their needs cannot be met in the least restrictive setting.

In essence, the focus is on integrating students with disabilities into environments that foster their growth and learning alongside their typically developing peers, reflecting a belief in the potential of all students to succeed when provided with appropriate supports.