Who Determines Placement of Arizona LRE Students?
Who determines the LRE of a student here in Arizona? So, if this student is in the public-school setting or charter school setting, this would be most relevant to them. LRE stands for least restrictive environment. This is a standard that is discussed in the federal statute Individuals with Disability Education Act. And what this specifies is that states in the public school and charter school setting must provide students with the least restrictive environment for their learning. Now, a lot of times there’s a misconception around LRE and who determines it. Some people think just because a student has a designated disability, then that determines their LRE.
Considerations in Determining the Placement of LRE Students
And that’s not the case. It’s one of the factors. But LRE is determined by a clear look at the circumstances and the needs of the student. So, the disability is one part of that, but it’s not the full picture. The IEP team is really who determines the LRE of the student. But that whole process considers the student’s disability, also their assessments.
IEP Team Determines the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
So, if they’re evaluated, they’re going to look at observations of the student, data, all of that to really get a clear picture of the student’s needs and what services and support they need. I think the biggest misconception with the least restrictive environment or LRE is that people think of it as an actual place; is the student going to be in the general education or special education classroom? But that’s not really the case. Least restrictive environment really means that the student is given the support and the services that they need to succeed.
The IEP or Individualized Education Program team, which comprises the student’s teachers, therapists, parents, and administrators, makes this decision.
IEP Support Services
The IEP is going to give the students all those support like I said, and services that they need. And it’s also going to monitor them and make sure that they are excelling, and they’re moving towards their goals. Again, just to summarize, LRE is determined by a multitude of factors, including designated disability, evaluations that have been collected, data, observations, and the IEP team, which also includes parents. You have a say in this as well. And then once an IEP is created, the student will be monitored, ensuring that the LRE for that student is tailored to fit their needs.
Parents Should Actively Participate
Therefore, as a parent, you must ensure that you actively participate in all the meetings convened by this team. Your active participation is key because you are the only person who knows your child best. You understand their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses better than anyone else, and thus your input is essential in making the right decision.
What are the 2 Components of LRE in Arizona?
The LRE approach comprises two main components, which are:
The General Setting | Regular Education
Most people think of the general education setting when they hear the phrase ‘Least Restrictive Environment.’ This refers to the typical classroom setting where students with special needs learn alongside their general education counterparts. It helps such students interact with their peers regularly, learn how to socialize, and develop their communication skills.
Supportive Services
The supportive services, on the other hand, are the extra services and accommodations that these students require to be successful in the general education setting. These may include having a smaller class size, having a paraprofessional in the classroom, or receiving occupational or physical therapy. You must ensure that your child’s IEP team puts these services in place before they are placed in the general education setting.
What is the Child Finding Process in Arizona?
The Child Find process is a continuous effort by the public school system to locate, identify, and evaluate children who may have disabilities and need special education services. This process applies to all children aged 3-21 who reside within the state of Arizona. The evaluation team responsible for carrying out this process is known as the Multi-Disciplinary Team or MDT.
Special Needs Education Law Issues
The IEP is the document schools use to provide students with disabilities an appropriate free public education. By law, the student’s IEP must be tailored to each child’s individual needs. IEP’s are specifically designed for the individual student and should not be confused with the school district’s general curriculum or any other educational materials. IEP’s include nine elements that address all areas of a child’s educational competency:
- Must have statements of present levels of educational performance both academic and functional
- measurable annual goals
- explanation of progress measurement
- individual education programs need a description of special education services
- statement of participation in the regular education program
- IEPs and Testing- a statement describing testing adaptations and modifications
- statement of length and duration of services- services must be explained
- statement of transition
- age of majority
You should be aware that as a parent, you have rights when it comes to disputes with schools. You can submit an appeal in order for your position on something such as special education and how much time she/he spends at home without being considered neglectful by taking part of mediation or another meeting where people from both sides come together trying resolve their differences amicably; however, if this does not work out then there are due process hearings available which will provide more information about what happened between them.
If you have a student that is being disciplined for breaking the rules, it’s important to know about their rights under federal law. The student with disabilities must be treated fairly and equally by teachers or administrators so they can’t take advantage of any special treatment just because they’re supposed to leak out an IEP.
If you believe that your child may have a disability and requires special education services, you should contact your school district’s Special Education Department. The school district will evaluate your child’s eligibility for special education services. Make sure to ask for a copy of the evaluation report to keep it for your records.
Contact Special Education Attorney
As a parent, you must understand your child’s rights under the Disabilities Education Act. This will ensure that you can make informed decisions about their education and ensure that they receive the best possible education. If you have any questions or seek legal advice about your child’s rights or need assistance in ensuring that they receive the best possible education, contact an experienced Arizona special education attorney.
At Chelle Law, we understand the unique challenges parents of children with disabilities face. We are here to help you navigate the special education process and ensure that your child receives the best possible education. Contact us or visit our office today to schedule a meeting.
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