LRE Policy

This article describes colorado's approach to implementation of least restrictive environment (lre) policy, specifically focused on the recent reform initiative of inclusive education. progress toward full implementation of lre is discussed and barriers presented. the authors describe how leadership from the state department of education, in partnership with other key constituents, has resulted in major change with regard to integrated placements through the special education process. because state leaders believed that the traditional identification—placement process for accessing special education services did not provide for appropriate services, they began to plan strategically for movement toward more integrated environments in the general education setting. this effort is discussed, and the partnerships that facilitated this change are highlighted. finally, emerging policy initiatives and questions about the merger of school reform with inclusive practices are explored, as well as the impact of standards-driven education on these initiatives. the authors conclude that although lre policy can be mandated, to achieve true inclusion, community beliefs and attitudes about students with diverse learning abilities must be changed.