Special education is at the core of how schools address the needs of students with disabilities and support them in achieving the annual goals stated in their IEPs as aligned with the state’s academic content standards. Accordingly, how this term is defined in law and implemented in the real world is extremely important to students, families, and schools.
LRE is an acronym that stands for least restrictive environment. IDEA does not define “least restrictive environment” in its definitions section. However, it requires that each student receive special education and related services in the “least restrictive environment” and describes what this means.
Recall the Law: Schools (a) “must take steps, including, the provision of supplementary aids and services determined appropriate and necessary by the child’s IEP Team, to provide nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities in the manner necessary to afford children with disabilities an equal opportunity for participation in those services and activities.” “(b) Nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities may include counseling services, athletics, transportation, health services, recreational activities, special interest groups or clubs sponsored by the public agency, referrals to agencies that provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, and employment of students, including both employment by the public agency and assistance [...]
Making My Way through College is a guide for any student pursuing a degree or other type of credential (e.g., certification, license) at a two-year or four-year community college, college, or university. You will find information on a variety of topics relevant to preparing for and succeeding in college and transitioning from college into the world of work. Much of the information provided is relevant to all students, but the primary focus of the guide is on navigating the college experience for students with disabilities or those who think they may have a disability. [...]
With STAAR testing season in full swing, teachers are prepping, kids are stressing, and parents are…questioning? The lack of clarity around the STAAR test and the Texas state standards can be disheartening and stressful for a passionate parent trying to ensure their child succeeds. If you can relate, don’t worry – you don’t have to be a STAAR test expert to be a great mom or dad. We are the experts and we’re excited to help! After a few years of running our DFW-wide STAAR preparatory program, we’ve learned some really valuable things to share with you… […]
A variety of situations arise where parents, and others feel that summer services for a student would be beneficial so that they do not regress in certain skills, continue their multisensory reading program, or gain more access to the general curriculum, and perhaps perform closer to their grade level. IDEA rules require schools to provide extended school year (ESY) services when an ARD/IEP team determine they are needed for the provision of FAPE to a student. States develop standards for providing ESY. Some states, and Texas have chosen a standard that focuses on a student regressing in important or crucial skills. [...]
