Which principle focuses on ensuring students are educated alongside their peers without disabilities?

The principle that focuses on ensuring students are educated alongside their peers without disabilities is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). This concept emphasizes the importance of placing students with disabilities in general education classrooms to the maximum extent appropriate. The guiding idea is that students with disabilities should have opportunities to learn and participate in regular education settings with their non-disabled peers whenever possible, rather than being segregated in separate classrooms or schools.

LRE is rooted in the belief that inclusion benefits all students, fostering a sense of belonging and improving social skills, while also allowing students with disabilities access to the general education curriculum and the chance to interact with a diverse group of peers. This principle supports the educational environment that promotes equal opportunity for students with disabilities to thrive in a common setting, thus embracing inclusion as a key component of the educational experience.

While the other options relate to providing appropriate educational opportunities for students with disabilities, they do not specifically emphasize the aspect of placement alongside peers without disabilities as LRE does.