Least Restricted Environment
Priscilla Kaas
Grand Canyon University: SPE 350 Special Education Litigation and Law
June 13, 2015

Every student has a right to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in a least restricted environment (LRE). An education is a right not a privilege, with that in mind, a student with a disability should be given the opportunity to begin their educational journey in the general education classroom. What if the their journey can not be achieved in the general education setting? Administrators, teachers, and all Individual Education Plan (IEP) team members must give reason as to why the LRE will not be effective and constitutes the main subject of discussion in the IEP meeting.
The Interview
Rachel Page is a Program Director for a school district in San Diego California. She is also one of the most intelligent women I have ever met. She is in the process of taking the title of the Special Education Director and still took the time to sit down with me and answer my questions. This lady is by far amazing. She impressed me beyond words. Rachel has 18 years under her belt as a Severe SDC (special day class) teacher. She also holds two Masters degrees, impressive. Her time was very limited, the interview was quick and to the point. Just like her. I have chosen to write my interview portion of the essay in a question and answer format. I recored the conversation and was able to type out her answers.
What is the special education coordinator's definition of least restrictive environment (LRE)? LRE is as individualized as each student…and is intended to be the least restrictive environment that particular student needs to demonstrate educational benefit. When considering the continuum of educational services, the discussion as a team is what combination of those services not only meets student needs, supports progress