What does the acronym LRE stand for, and which law governs its implementation?

The acronym LRE stands for Least Restrictive Environment, which is a fundamental principle in special education. LRE emphasizes that students with disabilities should be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate. This concept aligns with the belief that students with disabilities have the right to access the general education curriculum in a setting that is as inclusive as possible while still receiving the necessary support and services tailored to their individual needs.

The implementation of LRE is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that public schools develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities. One key requirement of IDEA is that students should be placed in the least restrictive environment that can meet their educational needs. This law ensures that educational institutions assess the needs of the student and provide services that enable them to thrive in an inclusive setting rather than segregating them into more restrictive environments unless absolutely necessary for their education.