Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Mastery!

The "least restrictive environment" (LRE) policy of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) emphasizes the need for students with disabilities to be educated in settings that are as inclusive as possible, alongside their peers without disabilities. This principle is grounded in the belief that, to the maximum extent appropriate, students with disabilities should not be separated from their peers and should have opportunities to participate in general education classes.

This approach promotes social integration, peer interaction, and access to the general education curriculum, while providing the necessary supports and services to facilitate learning in a more inclusive environment. By placing students in environments with their peers, the policy aims to enhance educational outcomes and foster a sense of belonging, which can be beneficial for both academic and social development.

The other choices would not align with the intent of the LRE policy, as they suggest a more segregated or restricted educational environment that does not support inclusive practices. The focus of LRE is to maximize inclusion rather than separation.