Which principle emphasizes that students with disabilities should receive education in the least restrictive environment (LRE)?

The principle of inclusion emphasizes that students with disabilities should be educated alongside their typically developing peers in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This approach is grounded in the belief that all children, regardless of their abilities, have the right to participate in general education classrooms and benefit from the same educational experiences. Inclusion fosters social interactions, allows for diverse learning experiences, and promotes an accepting school culture.

This philosophy is rooted in legislative frameworks such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that children with disabilities be educated in the LRE appropriate to their needs. Inclusion practices support the notion that students with varying abilities can thrive in shared learning environments, which can lead to improved educational and social outcomes for those with disabilities.

The other options do not effectively embody the principle of least restrictive environments. Integration typically refers to placing students with disabilities into general education settings but does not necessarily champion the ongoing support and active participation that inclusion advocates. Segregation involves separating students with disabilities from their peers, which contradicts the intent of LRE. Adaptive education generally focuses on modifying learning experiences to better suit individual needs but does not specifically address the environment in which those experiences occur.