Special Education Practices and the Least Restrictive Environment Concept

Abstract

The individuals with Disabilities Education Act contains provisions directing that students with disabilities be placed in the least restrictive educational environment. Through examination of the history of special education, court cases, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the full inclusion debate, an understanding of the law and thoughts in regards to special education practices are clarified by the author. Next a case study of implementation of the least restrictive environment in states and local school districts demonstrates the inherent flaw of policy; there will never be uniform implementation of the least restrictive environment provisions. Finally, the author uses anecdotal evidence of her experiences and observations in various special education settings to give the reader a view into real life practices and further awareness of the law and its implementation.