It is the policy of the Board of Regents that each local school district and public agency providing education to students with disabilities will ensure that students with disabilities ages three through 21 are provided a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE), consistent with Federal and State laws and regulations.

• All public and private agencies providing educational services to students with disabilities will be expected to comply with the Federal and State LRE requirements.

Least restrictive environment means that placement of students with disabilities in special classes, separate schools and other removal from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that, even with the use of supplementary aids and services, education cannot be satisfactorily achieved. The placement of an individual student with a disability in the least restrictive environment shall:

1. Provide the special education needed by the student;
2. Provide for education of the student to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of the student with other students who do not have disabilities; and
3. Be as close as possible to the student's home.