These terms refers to the concept that students with disabilities should be included in the classroom setting that is the least restrictive environment for them to learn. This comes from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  For further information about inclusion and least restrictive environment in Illinois, see the website for Project CHOICES. This project is sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to provide support and technical assistance to schools seeking support to improve educational outcomes for their students with disabilities. 

“The purpose of CHOICES/Early CHOICES is to increase the capacities of school districts and educational personnel to educate and provide supports and services to children and youth with disabilities in the preschool, school, and community environments in which they would participate if not identified as having a disability.” From the Project CHOICES website at www.projecthoices.org.

Another piece of information that may be helpful in understanding LRE is a memo from Christopher Koch, Ed.D, the Director of Special Education Services for ISBE on determining LRE.  Click here to see that memo on the Illinois State Board of Education website.