What is the goal of school for a child with disabilities or developmental delays?

• A. Have the child in the least restrictive environment that also promotes academic, social, and emotional success
• B. Maximize performance on standardized tests
• C. Exclude from general education when possible
• D. Segregate from peers to reduce distractions

Answer: (A)

The main idea is educating children with disabilities or developmental delays in the least restrictive environment that still supports their academic, social, and emotional growth. This means placing them in general education settings with the necessary supports and services so they can participate alongside peers to the greatest extent possible. The goal isn’t to maximize test scores alone, but to promote holistic development—learning, social interactions, and emotional well-being—within an environment that is as inclusive as feasible. If a child needs specific supports that can’t be provided in that setting, then the team may consider an alternative arrangement, but the default and guiding aim is inclusion with appropriate supports.

Options that focus only on standardized test performance don’t capture the broader objective of inclusive education. Choices that suggest excluding from general education or segregating from peers contradict the principle of least restrictive environment and undermine social development and equal opportunity.