What does the acronym LRE stand for in special education?

The acronym LRE in special education stands for Least Restrictive Environment. This concept is crucial in the context of special education as it emphasizes the importance of educating students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. The aim is to ensure that students with special needs have access to the general education curriculum whenever possible, rather than being segregated into separate classrooms or schools.

This framework is rooted in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that students with disabilities should be placed in the least restrictive environment that meets their individual educational needs. By prioritizing inclusion and equal access to educational resources, LRE supports the idea that all students benefit from diverse learning environments and social interactions with their peers.