The concept of the "least restrictive environment" (LRE) is a very important principle in education law in the United States, particularly under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA is a federal law that governs the education of students with disabilities and ensures they receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment possible.

Looking Back on Special Education, it has not been that long since students with disabilities are educated among their non disabled peers. Some key court cases and a brief history.