Examples Of Least Restrictive Environment

1. What does the term “least restrictive environment” mean when applied to education for exceptional children? Provide an example to support your explanation.
Least restrictive environment means giving any student the opportunity to learn with the same age students to the maximum degree of the student’s capabilities. Every student should be given the same opportunities to learn and exceptional students are not unlike any other students. These students should not be unnecessarily removed from the classroom or isolated from other students in the building. Least restrictive environment focuses on the student’s individual needs and understands that it isn’t a cookie cutter system.
The Individuals with Disabilities Act requires schools to maintain services ranging from general education classrooms to more specialized areas focusing on the student’s needs. At Audubon Elementary we have many rooms throughout the building that meet certain needs for individualized educational programs. Our school is set up with a special needs room for students who need one on one attention as well as behavior rooms. We also have specific areas of the building that students who need time to self-evaluate their behavior, have the opportunity to not be bothered.
David has mental issues stemming from his father’s suicide committed right in front of him. He has times when he talks to himself in the third person. I have learned how David functions and work with him when he needs a few minutes for a time out in the hallway. David started in the behavior room at the beginning of the school year. He is now earning back time in my room by completing days without any office referrals. David is an interesting student who enjoys being in my room and we have formed a bond. He enjoys when I challenge him to complete his work. He is a very competitive student in third