According to I.D.E.A., what principle supports placing students in the same classroom as much as possible?

The principle that supports placing students in the same classroom as much as possible, according to I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), is the Least Restrictive Environment Principle. This principle emphasizes that students with disabilities should be educated in settings that are as close to regular educational environments as possible, meaning they should have the opportunity to interact with their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate.

The intent is to ensure that students with disabilities receive their education alongside their peers, which can promote social inclusion, positive peer interactions, and a sense of belonging. The focus is on minimizing the barriers to their participation in mainstream education.

In contrast, while the Inclusion Principle also advocates for integrating students with disabilities into general education settings, the Least Restrictive Environment Principle is more specific to the legal requirements set forth by I.D.E.A. and prioritizes the educational placement that allows for the best fit for the student, encouraging integration where feasible. The other principles mentioned, such as Integration and Mainstreaming, relate to the idea of incorporating students into general education settings but do not carry the same weight or specificity as the Least Restrictive Environment Principle in the context of I.D.E.A.