The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a requirement set by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for students with disabilities, including those in public or private institutions or other types of care. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), nearly half of the schools surveyed indicated that they offer special education programs and services. To ensure that students with special needs are provided with the best possible education and to promote equity in enrollment for these students and their families, ACSI is collaborating with All Belong, an organization that provides advice and support to schools striving to become inclusive communities for students of all abilities. The survey results suggest that there is still room for improvement in Christian schools when it comes to meeting the special needs of students, as well as making services and programs more accessible to families regardless of their financial ability to pay.
With 746 schools responding (representing a response rate of 29%), the sample of schools is representative of ACSI membership in several factors. To ensure that Christian schools in Boise, Idaho are meeting the special requirements for students with disabilities, it is important for school administrators to be aware of the LRE requirements set by IDEA. It is also important for school administrators to collaborate with organizations such as All Belong to ensure that students with special needs are provided with the best possible education and that services and programs are accessible to all families.
