Special Education Services Continuum in BSD

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a foundational principle of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal law that ensures students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. LRE requires that students with disabilities are educated alongside their peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.

 

IEP teams must consider and implement a range of supplementary aids, services, accommodations, and modifications before determining that a student’s needs cannot be met in the general education setting. Students should only be placed in more restrictive settings when their educational needs cannot be met, even with these additional supports.

 

At Brandywine School District, we are committed to providing inclusive learning opportunities while addressing the unique needs of each student. Every IEP team is responsible for developing an Individualized Education Program that ensures meaningful participation in the general education environment, access to curriculum, and progress toward individualized goals—supported by the tools and services each student requires to succeed.

• LRE A: The student is in the general education setting at least 80% of the school day. The remainder of the day may include services in a special education setting.
• LRE B: The student is in the general education setting 40% to 79% of the school day, with the remaining time spent in a special education setting.
• LRE C: The student is in the general education setting less than 40% of the school day, with most services delivered in a special education setting.

 

These are the most common settings.  However, there are additional setting options to address the needs of students who are not demonstrating progress.  See more information about Least Restrictive Environment from the Parent Center Hub.