How do high schools implement the 'least restrictive environment'?

I've heard about this concept of a 'least restrictive environment' in high schools. Can someone explain what exactly this means, and how it's implemented? Would love some insight. Thanks a lot.

The 'least restrictive environment' (LRE) is a hallmark principle in special education. Implemented under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this federal mandate stipulates that students with disabilities have the right to be educated in mainstream classrooms alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

So how does this play out in schools? It begins with the creation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student with a disability. This is a legally-binding document that outlines the educational goals and services tailored specifically for the student. It's developed collaboratively by the student's educators, parents, and specialists.

Accommodations and services that align with LRE might include:

1. Mainstream Classroom: Students are placed in general education classes and are provided with the support they need to be successful. The majority of students with disabilities learn in regular classes for at least part of the day.

2. Co-Teaching/Specialized Instruction: Sometimes, a special education teacher joins the regular classroom teacher to offer additional support and instruction for students with disabilities.

3. Learning Supports: These can include assistive devices (like hearing aids or magnifying tools), classroom aides, or extra time for completing tasks.

4. Resource Rooms: Students may spend some parts of their day in a resource room where they receive specialized instruction, but spend the majority of their time in the general education classroom.

5. Special education classes or schools: These placements are often reserved for students with significant impairments, who may not be able to succeed in mainstream classrooms despite the above interventions being in place.

It's important to note that the IDEA prescribes the least restrictive setting that is suitable for the individual student, not for students with disabilities as a whole. So, what constitutes a LRE can vary greatly from one student to another.

The overarching goal, which guides the creation of an LRE for each individual, is to ensure that students with disabilities have access to a similar educational experience to their non-disabled peers, and that they're not unnecessarily segregated. This approach encourages inclusion, acceptance, and equal opportunities for all students.