LeastRestrictiveEnvironment.pptVIP

Least Restrictive EnvironmentInformation for Families  Senator Paul Harkin, Iowa, stated“. . .we will not, in our nation, measure human beings by what they cannot do. We should, instead, value them for what they can do.” Let’s look at what IDEA says about Least Restrictive EnvironmentOne requirement in providing a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for each child is to place each child with disabilities in the “least restrictive environment” (LRE) Specifically, IDEA requires each public agency (including school districts) to ensure: 1. That 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 not disabled; and. . . 2. That special classes, separate schooling or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when 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. (20U.S.C. 1412(a)(5)) (34C.F.R. 300.550(b)(1)-(2) Least Restrictive Environment To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with children who are not disabled. What about a separate education? The IEP team can identify a separate education for students but only when the nature or severity of the disability of the child is such that education in general education classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. In what way will we accomplish LRE for each child? LRE Support Teams are to support schools in the least restrictive environment planning. Our IEP teams are to become knowledgeable about LRE opportunities, supports and services Least Restrictive Environment is to be understood by all. Effective teaching strategies start with awareness Awareness level training on LRE for every staff member in our district began in Decembe