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 or charter school setting, this would be most relevant to them. LRE stands for ‘least restrictive environment.’
It is a standard discussed in the federal statute, Individuals with Disability Education Act. And this specifies that states in public and charter school settings must provide students with the least restrictive environment for their learning.
Now, a lot of times, there’s a misconception about 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 student’s circumstances and needs. So, disability is one part of that, but it’s not the complete picture.
It’s the IEP team who determines the LRE of the student. But that whole process considers the student’s disability and their assessment.
IEP Team Determines the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
So, if the student is evaluated, they will look at observations of the student, data, and all of that to get a clear picture of the student’s needs and what services and support they need.
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 a general education or special education classroom? But that’s not the case. The least restrictive environment really means that the IEP gives the students the support and services 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 will give the students all the support and services they need. And it’s also going to monitor them and ensure they are excelling and moving toward their goals.
To summarize, LRE is determined by a multitude of factors, including designated disability, evaluations collected, data, observations, and the IEP team, which also includes parents. You have a say in this as well.
Once the team has created the IEP, they will monitor the student, ensuring that the LRE for that student is tailored to fit their needs.
Parents Should Actively Participate
Therefore, as a parent, you must ensure you actively participate in all the meetings convened by this team.
Your active participation is vital 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 Education Setting
Most people think of the general education setting when they hear the phrase ‘Least Restrictive Environment.’
It 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 placing them 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 in Arizona.
The evaluation team responsible for carrying out this process is known as the Multidisciplinary 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, IEPs must be tailored to each child’s individual needs. IEPs are specifically designed for the individual student and should not be confused with the school district’s general curriculum or other educational materials.
IEPs 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 description of testing adaptations and modifications
- Disclosure of length and duration of services—they must explain services
- Statement of transition
- Age of majority
You should know that you have rights regarding school disputes as a parent. You can submit an appeal for your position on special education and how much time your child spends at home without being considered neglectful. You can do this by participating in mediation or another meeting where people from both sides come together to resolve their differences amicably.
However, if this does not work out, then due process hearings are available, providing more information about what happened between them.
If a student gets disciplined for breaking the rules, the parents must know about their rights under federal law. Students with disabilities must be treated fairly and equally by teachers or administrators, so they can’t take advantage of special treatment just because they’re supposed to leak out an IEP.
If you believe 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. It 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, 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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