According to IDEA 2004, what is an example of the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities?

The concept of the least restrictive environment (LRE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) emphasizes that students with disabilities should be educated alongside their peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate. This aims to provide them with opportunities for interaction, socialization, and learning in a setting that promotes their development and independence.

The option that states students with disabilities are placed into classes if they cannot participate safely aligns with this principle. It recognizes that while inclusion is ideal, there may be circumstances where the safety of the student or others necessitates a different placement. However, this decision should be made carefully, ensuring that it is based on individual needs and does not preclude the possibility of later inclusion when appropriate.

Other options suggest more restrictive environments, such as being educated only in separate classrooms for all subjects, attending specialized institutions, or grouping students solely by disability type. These approaches are contrary to the LRE mandate, which promotes integration and the use of accommodations or modifications to enable participation in mainstream settings whenever possible. Thus, option A represents the least restrictive environment in accordance with IDEA 2004.