What does LRE stand for in IDEA?

• A. Least Restrictive Environment
• B. Local Regulatory Education
• C. Limited Resource Education
• D. Large Range Education

Answer: (A)

Least Restrictive Environment means that students with disabilities should be educated with nondisabled peers to the greatest extent possible, and only be moved to a more restrictive setting when the nature or severity of their disability prevents satisfactory education in the general education environment, even with appropriate supports. In IDEA, decisions about placement are made by the IEP team along a continuum of options, prioritizing the general education setting with services such as co-teaching, accommodations, assistive technology, and related supports. The goal is inclusion and access to the same curriculum, with modifications or supports as needed, rather than removing the student from the general education environment unless necessary. The other terms listed are not part of IDEA’s terminology.