Programs

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

A placement in the least restrictive environment is decided upon once all the student’s education needs are identified. For some students, the least restrictive setting may be the general education classroom with supports, modifications and services as needed for all or some of their subjects. For other students it may be one of the programs listed below that offers more support. Programs and services are determined by the IEP team.

Types of Programs:

In-Class Support

• For students who are placed in the general education classroom and require support in accessing the curriculum through modifications and accommodations. THis support is provided by a special education teacher in the general education setting.

Resource Room

• For students who need to be taught by a special education teacher at a slower pace in a small class for some or all subjects. These classes follow the general education curriculum.

Self-contained Classroom

• For students with more severe learning or behavior disabilities who need to be taught most or all of their subjects by a special education teacher with few classmates, more individual attention and support services.

Out of District Placements

• Appropriate when the school district cannot meet a student’s needs with a program inside the district. The student’s needs must be identified first and then placement decisions should be made to meet those needs. Out of district placements can range from a day program to a residential program.

Home Instruction

• The most restrictive environment which should only occur on a temporary basis until an appropriate program is found.

Extended School Year (ESY)

• An extended school year program is considered when a student’s learning disability is so severe that he/she needs additional instruction to maintain progress during the summer. For these students an interruption in education may cause the student’s performance to decline and that loss cannot be made up in a reasonable time.