Inclusion... What does IDEA say.

While researching for our groups Prezi presentation for class, I have looked at IDEA and many of the case laws and how they influence Inclsion.  First, IDEA 2004 does not require inclusion but does require that students with disabilities be served educationally in the "least restricted environment appropriate" to meet their "unique needs". (websearch: www.weac.org/Issues_Advocacy/Resource  ).  The article went on to discuss how the least restrictive environment begins with the regular classroom. It does state that the law knows that all students will not be appropriate for the regular classroom so it requires a "continuum of placements".  Inclusion should be driven by what best meets the needs of the student as determined by their IEP. The IEP team should first consider whether the regular classroom is  appropriate and if not, then look at the next least restrictive environment until the team feels they have placed the student in the best environment to meet that student's needs.
Over the years there have been many who feel that there is no place for self-contained classes or seperate school facilities.  But IDEA states that there should be a continuum of placements. After working for twenty years in a seperate school facility, I truely can see the benefits for some students who truely need a placement such as that. I diffinantly believe that one size does not fit all when it comes to special education placement for students with disabilities. What are your thoughts?