Least Restrictive Environment means that a student has the right to an education appropriate with students who do not have disabilities, and as close to home as possible.
Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Parents shouldn't stress out about the liberal use of Learning Disability Acronyms thrown around in IEP Meetings. They can actually streamline the amount of paperwork required and they get easier to understand over time.
The most important thing to note about Least Restrictive Environment is that it allows children with learning disabilities and an IEP to be placed in a regular classroom setting with kids their own age. They may have some classes outside of the regular classroom in smaller groups, but they can also participate normally as if they didn't have a disability, whenever possible.
Taking kids out of their regular classes is a major concern for many parents. They are afraid their children will be "labeled" as different. IDEA addresses this issue through Least Restrictive Environment.
LRE is good for the student with a learning disability because it keeps things close to the norm. More information is available at: www.easyiephelp.com/easy-iep-help/restrictive-environment/ or http://idea.ed.gov.
