What does the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) principle of IDEA stipulate?

The principle of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) emphasizes that students with disabilities should be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate. This means that they should not be unnecessarily segregated and should have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers without disabilities. The idea is to create an inclusive educational environment where students with disabilities can thrive academically and socially, benefiting from interactions with their peers and receiving support as needed. This principle encourages educational institutions to consider the unique needs of each student and place them in settings that provide the most integration possible, promoting both academic success and social development.