Which concept ensures a student with a disability is educated with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate, with necessary supports?

• A. Transition Planning
• B. Present Levels
• C. IEP
• D. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is Least Restrictive Environment. This principle says that a student with a disability should be educated with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent that is appropriate, and that any needed supports and services should be provided to make participation possible. It emphasizes inclusion in the general education setting and access to the same curriculum, with supports such as paraprofessional assistance, accommodations, or assistive technology. The decision is individualized: if the student can succeed in general education with those supports, that setting is preferred; if not, the team may consider more restrictive options only to the extent necessary to provide a free appropriate public education.

For context, other options relate to different aspects of planning. Transition Planning focuses on goals after high school, such as employment or postsecondary education. Present Levels describes the student’s current performance and needs. The IEP is the document that outlines services, goals, and how those supports will be delivered, and it includes the LRE decision as part of placement planning, but the core concept in this question is the environment placement principle itself.