Placement

The IDEA principle requiring that children with disabilities be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Removal from the general education classroom should only occur when the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

The range of educational settings that school districts must make available to students with disabilities, from least to most restrictive. This includes general education classes, resource rooms, self-contained classrooms, special schools, homebound instruction, and residential facilities. The IEP team determines the appropriate placement.

A written plan developed for each child eligible for special education services. The IEP describes the child's present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, the special education and related services to be provided, and how progress will be measured. It is a legally binding document that schools must follow.