Which of the following educational services is most restrictive?
Which of the following educational services is most restrictive?
Options:
(a) itinerant services
(b) consultation
(c) resource room placement
(d) self-contained special education
✅ Correct Option: (d) self-contained special education
Explanation (200+ words):
Self-contained special education classrooms are the most restrictive educational setting among the given options. Students spend the majority or entirety of the school day separated from general education peers. This setting is appropriate for students with severe disabilities who require intensive individualized instruction, highly structured environments, and a low teacher-student ratio. Itinerant services and consultation are minimally restrictive; they involve specialists providing support while students remain in the general classroom. Resource room placement allows partial inclusion and is moderately restrictive. Self-contained settings limit social interaction and exposure to the general curriculum, but they ensure focused support for students with significant learning or behavioral challenges. The IDEA law emphasizes that placement should match the student’s needs while aiming for maximum inclusion. Therefore, self-contained classrooms are reserved for students whose needs cannot be met in less restrictive environments.
10 Related Facts:
Most restrictive settings separate students completely. Self-contained classes have specialized teachers. Itinerant services are least restrictive. Resource rooms are moderately restrictive. Placement decisions are IEP-based. Social integration is limited in self-contained settings. Behavioral interventions often occur in self-contained classrooms. IDEA requires justification for restrictive placements. Specialized curriculum is provided in self-contained settings. Important in special education MCQs.