Understanding Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): A Parent’s Guide to Educational Placements
“Educational placement” refers to the setting in which a student receives their education. A student’s placement is defined by the amount of time they spend in a general education classroom, a special education program, or within other specialized facilities outside of their public school. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that children should be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), meaning that they should be included with general education students as much as possible.
So what does the least restrictive environment look like for students with learning differences and special needs? Here are the 6 most common placement types:
1. General education with support
Educators aim to include students with special needs in general education classes while providing supports to create a fair learning environment. Inclusion helps teach all students to value differences and create a welcoming space for diverse learners. Accommodations within the general ed classroom are sometimes enough to level the playing field for students with special needs. Common accommodations include:
1:1 aides
Assistive technology (e.g., – Word processer, calculator, recording device)
Extended deadlines
Longer test times
Designated quiet space
Having instructions and test questions read aloud and explained to them
Large print text and visual aids
Special lighting and/or acoustics
Frequent breaks
Small group testing
Sensory tools
Strategic seating
Transition warnings
Note-taking support
Lesson outlines
General education placement is often easier to successfully implement in elementary school than middle or high school. In elementary school, most students spend the entire day in one class with the same teacher which facilitates consistent use of accommodations. Still, accommodations can often be successfully implemented in upper-grade, multi-class settings.
Click here for tips on securing accommodations for your teen on the SAT, PSAT, ACT, and AP Exams
2. Pull out instruction
If a student’s disability impacts certain subjects more than others, they may be able to learn in the general ed classroom part of the day and be pulled out for increased support in their subjects of highest need. For example, if a student has dyscalculia, they may be pulled out to receive specialized instruction during math. If a student has an articulation disorder, they may be pulled out for a few sessions per week to receive speech therapy.
3. Push in inclusion
An alternative option to the student being pulled out is the “push in” or “co-teach” approach. This method involves a special education teacher joining the general education teacher to provide specialized academic instruction in the subject(s) of highest need for one or more students in the class. This model is collaborative, having both teachers support all students with general and specialized instruction techniques. Because the teaching methods are universally applied, most students can’t tell which teacher is which, or which students require special education. Many districts find the push in approach to be highly beneficial, as it allows for continuous inclusion while giving all students access to specialized supports.
Do you wonder whether your child’s current placement is meeting their needs? Do you disagree with their school on the level of services your child requires?
Schedule your consultation to learn how an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEP) can help.
4. Self-contained special education
Sometimes the severity of a student’s learning difference requires interventions beyond classroom accommodations. These students may spend all or most of their school day in a self-contained classroom: a separate room solely dedicated to teaching students with special needs. These classes are facilitated by special education teachers, have smaller class sizes for individualized attention, and generally have at least one paraeducator to effectively meet each student’s needs. Self-contained classrooms sometimes focus on serving students with a specific disability type, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or behavioral issues.
5. Non-public schools
Some school districts do not have the resources, staffing, or specialized services to provide a fair and appropriate education (FAPE) for a student’s specific needs. In such cases, the student’s IEP team may determine that the child would be better served in a private school with specialized services. Examples include non-public schools designed to meet the needs of children with autism, dyslexia, or ADHD.
The names and certification requirements of these schools vary by state; in California, specialized private schools are referred to as “non-public schools.” Unlike other private schools, non-public schools require certification by the California Department of Education. Research your state’s non-public school options if your district is unable to provide your student with a FAPE within their public school system.
Click here to view the California Department of Education Directory of Non-Public Schools
6. Residential & hospital programs
In-state or out-of-state residential placement is the most restrictive of the placement types and is only considered after all less restrictive options have been ruled out. Temporary stays in residential programs can be greatly beneficial for students with severe emotional disturbances, substance abuse issues, eating disorders, deafness, blindness, or multiple co-occurring disabilities.
Identifying the best placement for your child
Determining the best placement for your child can be challenging, as there are many complex variables to consider. Our team of Educational Psychologists can provide you and your IEP team with expert guidance in determining the optimal placement to meet your child’s needs, promote their confidence as a capable learner, and maximize their academic potential.
So you know you need help, but aren’t sure how to find the right help?
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In addition to diagnostic services, we offer Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) of K-12 students to assess needs for accommodations in school and determine their appropriate placements. IEEs provide an objective second opinion on existing IEP and 504 Plans.
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References:
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Inclusion vs. Self-Containment for Children on the Autism Spectrum (2020). CAR Autism Roadmap. Retrieved from https://www.carautismroadmap.org/inclusion-vs-self-contained-education-for-children-with-asd-diagnoses/
Morin, A. (n.d.) Common Accommodations & Modifications in School. Understrood.org Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/articles/en/common-classroom-accommodations-and-modifications?_sp=e3b2905d-700c-43b8-8005-ab47a1c53a30.1634083218242
Morin, A. (n.d.) What is the least restrictive environment? Understood.org. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/articles/en/least-restrictive-environment-lre-what-you-need-to-know
Other Educational Settings (n.d.) The New York City Department of Education. Retrieved from https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/special-education/school-settings/other-educational-settings
Placement options for school-age students receiving special education services (2020). CAR Autism Roadmap. Retrieved from https://www.carautismroadmap.org/placement-options-for-school-age-students-receiving-special-education-services/
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (2020). CAR Austism Roadmap. Retrieved from https://www.carautismroadmap.org/section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act-of-1973/
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Shinn. M.M. (2019). How Do I Talk to My Teen About Drugs and Alcohol? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from: https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/how-do-i-talk-to-my-teen-about-drugs-and-alcohol
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Shinn. M.M. (2019). Preventing Suicide in Students: How 3-6 Questions Can Save Lives. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from: https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/preventing-student-suicide-with-just-a-few-simple-questions
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How to Cite This Blog Article:
Shinn. M.M. Understanding Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): A Parent’s Guide to Educational Placements). 2022. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/test-blog/understanding-least-restrictive-environment-lre-a-parents-guide-to-educational-placements