CPR and Partners Release Statement Opposing Reinterpretation of Least Restrictive Environment Provisions of IDEA

A coalition of stakeholders issued a statement opposing a reinterpretation by the Department of Education of the least restrictive environment (LRE) provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  The LRE provisions are the core of the IDEA and its message of inclusion for all students. They ensure that general education classrooms are considered first for students with disabilities and that they are only educated outside of the general education classroom in rare circumstances. Reinterpretation of those provisions places that presumption at risk and we will oppose any and all efforts to infringe upon the IDEA and the protections it provides to disabled students.