- The phrase “Least Restrictive Environment” means that a special education student has a right to as much exposure as possible to the general education students and the general education social environment – whenever possible and feasible.
- It is a continuum: it begins with the special needs child being in the same classroom with the general population of non-special needs children.
- If that’s not feasible, it moves to a “More Restrictive Environment”, which means less exposure to regular education kids.
- Further along the continuum, the child may need to attend an alternative school, or a private school.
- The legal standard for moving a child to what is the least restrictive environment for him is the classroom that is appropriate for him in which he can make meaningful progress with all the proper supports.