Self-contained classroom
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A 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.
Topic: Services, placement and staff
In plain terms
Self-contained classes usually have fewer students and more adults, and may focus on intensive academics, communication, behavior or life skills. Students often join peers for some activities, such as lunch, specials or certain classes. Under LRE, this setting is chosen only when the student's needs cannot be met satisfactorily in general education with supports.
How it shows up in an IEP
The IEP must explain why the student is not in general education for the times stated. Goals should still connect to grade-level standards where appropriate, and inclusion opportunities should be planned, not left to chance.
Example
A student in a self-contained class for autistic students joins a general education art class with a paraprofessional and has a goal for greeting peers there.
Related terms
- Continuum of alternative placementsThe continuum of alternative placements is the range of settings, from general education to home or hospital instruction, that districts must have available.
- 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.
- 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.
- InclusionInclusion is the practice of educating students with disabilities in general education classes, with the supports they need to learn and belong.
- ParaprofessionalA paraprofessional is a school employee who supports students under the direction of a teacher or provider, sometimes called an aide or educational assistant.
On IEP Atlas
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