Beyond the least restrictive environment continuum: Becoming inclusive at hillcrest elementary school

This case study centers on the experience of Catrina Munez, the principal of Hillcrest Elementary School in Baronsville Township. Although Principal Munez believed she was successful at promoting inclusion at Hillcrest, she was eventually forced to rethink her assumptions about how the Baronsville School District enacted placement decisions regarding students with significant disabilities. Jaden was a student with extensive educational needs whose parents won a lawsuit because the school district had not adequately provided him with all necessary support and services in his least restrictive environment. The court mandated that Jaden be allowed to attend Hillcrest, his neighborhood school. Thus, Principal Munez was challenged to lead her school toward becoming a more inclusive and welcoming place for Jaden and for all students.