Glossary Term: Least Restrictive Environment

Definition: This concept refers to the federal mandate that children with disabilities be educated with peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate. This is a requirement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Read a thorough discussion of the meaning of least restrictive environment, including information to distinguish this term from the terms mainstream and inclusion, in ERIC Digest:  "The Least Restrictive Environment Mandate: How Has it Been Defined by the Courts?"

Source: ERIC Digest