On Wednesday, May 6, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) published a broadcast memo announcing the expansion of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Action Learning Group with Cohort 2 for 2026-2027.
This professional learning initiative focused on continuous improvement helps local education agency’s (LEAs) leadership teams move beyond compliance data on LRE placement to examine actual district practices, including instructional methods, school culture, and decision-making, for better understanding of local data. Through this process, teams identify where certain groups of students with disabilities may not be experiencing the same level of success or inclusion as others and collaboratively develop a practical, team-based plan to make meaningful and lasting improvements.
Attendance at a June 3 information session is required for at least one member of an LEA’s leadership team who is interested in applying to participate in Cohort 2. This session is designed for superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of special education, and other leaders who would serve as the primary team lead or champion for the work.
More information on the LRE Action Learning Group, including details on the June 3 information session and contact information, can be found in the NJDOE’s broadcast memo.
