Special Education Terms to Know
Education is full of buzzwords, and special education is no different. Acronyms are often used during meetings without explanation, leaving well intended parents confused. Understanding a bit about what these terms mean can make a huge difference in your ability to fully participate as a member of your child’s educational team.
| Special Education Acronym | Full Term | What does the term mean to me? |
|---|---|---|
| IDEA | Individuals with Disabilities Education Act | Federal law that provides for special education |
| IEP | Individualized Educational Plan | Educational plan written once a child is found eligible for special education |
| FAPE | Free and Appropriate Public Education | What every child with a disability is lawfully entitled to |
| LRE | Least Restrictive Environment | Idea that allows a disabled student to participate as fully as possible with their nondisabled peers |
| RED | Review of Existing Data | Process of gathering data to determine whether or not more assessments are needed |
| PWN | Prior Written Notice | Written documentation of all changes made to a child’s educational plan. Also used to explain denial of services requested by parents. |
| ESY | Extended School Year | Supports provided during the summer |
| 504 | Section 504 Plan | Plan for accommodations only based on a medical diagnosis that significantly impacts one or more areas of life. Part of the Americans with Disabilities Act. |
| FBA | Functional Behavioral Assessment | Formal assessment completed to determine root cause of behavior |
| BIP | Behavior Intervention Plan | Plan created specifically for a child to address behavior - based on the root cause of the behavior found through an FBA |
| FERPA | Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act | Federal law to protect privacy and allow access to records for families |
| IEE | Independent Educational Evaluation | Independent evaluation paid for by the school when a parent disagrees with the school evaluation |
