The least restrictive environment (LRE) requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA ’97) have been included in the law since 1975. These requirements continue to generate complex and interesting questions from the district and campus staff. IDEA ‘97 gives every child with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). States and local education agencies are to provide this education in the LRE, so that students with disabilities are taught with their nondisabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

This question and answer document was designed by Region 20 who provides statewide leadership for AGC. The document will provide current information about LRE to ensure that the applicable requirements of IDEA ’97 that govern the education of students with disabilities are accurately understood and properly implemented. This question and answer document consolidates federal (IDEA ’97 and federal regulations) and state (State Board of Education and Commissioner’s Rules and Texas Education Code) requirements regarding LRE. We encourage you to disseminate the two LRE Question and Answer flyers to a wide range of educators and parents throughout your district.

To access the Region 20 ESC LRE English version Click Here

Region 20 ESC LRE Spanish version Click Here