Continuum of alternative placements
Last updated
The continuum of alternative placements is the range of settings, from general education to home or hospital instruction, that districts must have available.
Topic: Services, placement and staff
In plain terms
IDEA requires districts to offer instruction in regular classes, special classes, special schools, home instruction and instruction in hospitals and institutions, plus supplementary services like resource room help alongside regular classes. Having the full range means a placement can be matched to the student's needs, rather than the student being fit into whatever program exists.
How it shows up in an IEP
The placement decision comes after goals and services are written. The team considers the least restrictive option on the continuum where the IEP can be carried out, and explains any removal from general education.
Example
A district without a program for students who are deaf and use ASL arranges placement at a regional program, because the IEP requires direct instruction in ASL with signing peers.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.115.
Related terms
- LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)LRE is the IDEA requirement that students with disabilities learn alongside peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate for each student.
- InclusionInclusion is the practice of educating students with disabilities in general education classes, with the supports they need to learn and belong.
- Resource roomA resource room is a separate classroom where students with IEPs spend part of the day getting specialized instruction, then return to general education.
- Self-contained classroomA self-contained classroom is a special education class where students with IEPs spend most or all of the school day with a special education teacher.
- Stay putStay put is the IDEA rule that a child generally remains in the current educational placement while a due process complaint is pending.
This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.