Special Education in Plain Language -- Least restrictive environment

What The Law Says

(a) General
(2) Each public agency must ensure that—
(i) 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 nondisabled; and

(ii) 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. 34 CFR 300.114

What The Law Means

Children with disabilities must be educated with nondisabled children as much as is appropriate.

Children with disabilities are removed from regular classes to special classes or separate schools only if the child’s disability is so severe that education in regular classes with aids and services is not satisfactory.

What Needs To Be Done

The school must be sure that children with disabilities are educated with children who are not disabled as much as is appropriate.

Children with disabilities are removed from regular classes to special classes or special schools only if the child’s disability is so severe that education in regular classes with supplementary aids and services is not satisfactory.

What Parents Need to Know or Do

Most children with disabilities should be educated with nondisabled children their own age. This includes children in institutions or other care centers.

Children with disabilities can be removed from the regular classroom when the child’s needs are so great they cannot be met in the regular classroom even with extra help.

Placement

Least restrictive environment