A comprehensive glossary of over 60 special education terms defined in plain English for parents. Covers IEP, 504, IDEA, FAPE, LRE, ESY, BIP, FBA, and many more acronyms and concepts.
Primary question answered: What do special education acronyms like IEP, 504, FAPE, and LRE mean?
Source type: guide
Target audience: parents of children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other disabilities
Special Education Glossary: Plain-English Definitions for Parents
Special education is full of acronyms and jargon. This glossary translates over 60 terms into clear, everyday language so you can understand your child's IEP, 504 plan, and rights.
A
Accommodation
A change in how a student accesses learning or demonstrates knowledge without altering the content itself. Examples include extended time on tests, preferential seating, or audiobooks. Accommodations are guaranteed under both IEPs and 504 plans.
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Adaptive Behavior
The collection of everyday skills a person uses to function independently, including communication, self-care, and social skills. Adaptive behavior assessments are often used when evaluating for intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder.
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Assistive Technology(AT)
Any device, software, or equipment that helps a student with a disability access education more effectively. AT ranges from low-tech tools like pencil grips to high-tech solutions like speech-generating devices or text-to-speech software.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)
A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is one of the most common reasons children qualify for IEPs or 504 plans in schools.
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication(AAC)
Methods used to supplement or replace speech for individuals with communication impairments. AAC includes picture boards, sign language, and speech-generating devices. Many students with autism or cerebral palsy benefit from AAC systems.
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Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA)
A therapy approach based on learning theory that systematically applies interventions to improve socially significant behaviors. ABA is commonly used with children on the autism spectrum. While widely endorsed, it is important to ensure ABA programs respect the child's autonomy and well-being.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)
A developmental disability affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning it presents differently in every individual. Students with ASD often qualify for IEPs under the autism eligibility category.
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Annual Review
The yearly meeting where the IEP team reviews and updates a student's Individualized Education Program. During the annual review, the team assesses progress toward goals, updates present levels, and adjusts services as needed. Parents are essential members of this review.
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B
Behavior Intervention Plan(BIP)
A written plan that describes strategies, supports, and interventions to address a student's challenging behaviors. A BIP is based on data gathered through a Functional Behavior Assessment and is part of the IEP when behavior impacts learning.
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C
Child Find
A legal requirement under IDEA that obligates school districts to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities from birth through age 21. Child Find applies to children in public schools, private schools, and those who are homeschooled.
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Compensatory Education
Additional educational services provided to a student to make up for services that were denied or inadequate. Compensatory education is a common remedy when schools fail to implement an IEP correctly.
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Continuum of Alternative Placements
The range of educational settings that must be available to students with disabilities, from general education classrooms to homebound instruction. IDEA requires districts to maintain a full continuum so IEP teams can select the most appropriate placement for each student.
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D
Developmental Delay(DD)
A classification used for children ages 3–9 who are not developing at the expected rate in one or more areas: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, or adaptive. This category allows early intervention without requiring a specific disability diagnosis.
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Due Process
A formal legal procedure that allows parents to resolve disputes with school districts about their child's special education services. Due process hearings are conducted by an impartial hearing officer. Parents have the right to due process under IDEA.
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Dyslexia
A specific learning disability that affects reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Dyslexia is neurological in origin and is not related to intelligence. Students with dyslexia often benefit from structured literacy programs like Orton-Gillingham and may qualify for IEPs under the SLD category.
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Dyscalculia
A specific learning disability affecting a person's ability to understand and work with numbers and mathematical concepts. Students with dyscalculia may struggle with number sense, memorizing math facts, and problem-solving. Accommodations may include calculators and extra time.
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Dysgraphia
A specific learning disability that affects writing ability, including handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper. Students with dysgraphia may benefit from assistive technology, occupational therapy for fine motor skills, and alternative methods of demonstrating knowledge.
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E
Early Intervention(EI)
Services and supports provided to infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays or disabilities. Early intervention is governed by Part C of IDEA and may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental services.
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Emotional/Behavioral Disorder(EBD)
A disability category under IDEA for students whose emotional or behavioral difficulties significantly impact their ability to learn. EBD includes conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, and conduct disorders that persist over time.
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Evaluation
A comprehensive assessment conducted by a team of professionals to determine if a child has a disability and qualifies for special education services. Evaluations must be completed within 60 days of parental consent (or within the state's timeline). Parents can request evaluations at any time.
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Extended School Year(ESY)
Special education services provided beyond the regular school year, typically during summer. ESY is offered when an IEP team determines that a student will experience significant regression without continuous services. Not all students with IEPs qualify for ESY.
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F
Free Appropriate Public Education(FAPE)
The right of every child with a disability to receive a free education that is appropriately designed to meet their unique needs. FAPE is the cornerstone of IDEA and means school districts must provide special education services at no cost to families.
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Functional Behavior Assessment(FBA)
A process used to identify the underlying causes or functions of a student's challenging behavior. An FBA involves observing the student, collecting data, and analyzing patterns to develop effective interventions through a Behavior Intervention Plan.
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FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Under FERPA, parents have the right to inspect, review, and request corrections to their child's records. Schools must obtain consent before disclosing personally identifiable information.
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H
Hearing Impairment(HI)
A disability category under IDEA that covers hearing loss ranging from mild to profound. Students with hearing impairments may use hearing aids, cochlear implants, sign language, or captioning. Their IEPs address communication access and assistive technology.
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I
IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a federal law ensuring that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education. IDEA mandates IEPs, procedural safeguards, and least restrictive environment requirements. It covers children from birth through age 21.
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Inclusion
The practice of educating students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers in general education classrooms to the maximum extent appropriate. Inclusion is supported by IDEA's least restrictive environment requirement. Effective inclusion involves proper supports and accommodations.
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Independent Educational Evaluation(IEE)
An evaluation conducted by a qualified professional outside the school district, often at the district's expense. Parents have the right to request an IEE if they disagree with the school's evaluation. The IEP team must consider IEE results.
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Individualized Education Program(IEP)
A legally binding document that outlines the special education services, goals, accommodations, and supports a child with a disability will receive. The IEP is developed by a team that includes parents, teachers, and specialists. It is reviewed at least annually.
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Individualized Family Service Plan(IFSP)
A plan for children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays. The IFSP is similar to an IEP but focuses on the family as a whole and includes services like speech therapy and developmental support provided in natural environments.
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Intellectual Disability(ID)
A disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Students with intellectual disabilities qualify for IEPs and may need modified curriculum, life skills instruction, and transition planning.
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L
Least Restrictive Environment(LRE)
The IDEA requirement that students with disabilities must be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Removing a student from the general education setting should only occur when the disability is so severe that supplementary aids and services cannot achieve satisfactory results.
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M
Mainstream
Placing a student with a disability in a general education classroom for part or all of the school day. Mainstreaming differs from inclusion in that the student may not receive the same level of support. The term is used less frequently in modern special education.
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Manifestation Determination Review(MDR)
A meeting held when a student with a disability faces suspension or expulsion exceeding 10 school days. The MDR team determines whether the behavior was caused by or substantially related to the student's disability. If it was, the student cannot be expelled for that behavior.
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Mediation
A voluntary dispute resolution process where a neutral third party helps parents and school districts reach agreement on special education issues. Mediation is free to families and can be a faster, less adversarial alternative to due process hearings.
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Modification
A change to what a student is expected to learn or demonstrate, unlike an accommodation which changes how. Modifications might include simplified assignments, reduced workload, or alternative assessments. Modifications are only available through an IEP, not a 504 plan.
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Multi-Tiered System of Supports(MTSS)
A framework used by schools to provide varying levels of academic and behavioral support to all students. MTSS includes three tiers: universal (all students), targeted (some students), and intensive (few students). It is often used alongside or instead of RTI.
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O
Occupational Therapy(OT)
A related service that helps students develop fine motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and daily living skills needed for academic success. OTs may work on handwriting, self-regulation, and environmental adaptations. OT can be included as a related service in an IEP.
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Other Health Impairment(OHI)
An IDEA eligibility category for students whose chronic or acute health conditions (such as ADHD, epilepsy, or diabetes) result in limited strength, vitality, or alertness that adversely affects educational performance. OHI is one of the most common IEP eligibility categories.
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P
Paraprofessional
A trained school staff member who provides instructional and support services under the supervision of a certified teacher. Paraprofessionals (also called paraeducators or aides) may provide one-on-one support to students with disabilities as specified in their IEPs.
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Physical Therapy(PT)
A related service that addresses gross motor skills, mobility, balance, and physical access to the school environment. Physical therapists help students navigate the school safely and participate in physical activities. PT can be an IEP-related service.
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Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance(PLAAFP)
The section of an IEP that describes a student's current abilities, strengths, and needs across academic and functional areas. The PLAAFP forms the foundation for all IEP goals and services. It should include data from evaluations, classroom performance, and parent input.
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Prior Written Notice(PWN)
A document the school district must provide to parents whenever it proposes or refuses to change the identification, evaluation, placement, or provision of FAPE for a child. PWN must explain what the school is proposing or refusing and why. It is a critical procedural safeguard.
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Procedural Safeguards
The set of legal protections provided to parents of children with disabilities under IDEA. These include the right to participate in IEP meetings, consent to evaluations, access educational records, request mediation, and file due process complaints. Schools must provide a copy of procedural safeguards at least once a year.
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Progress Monitoring
The systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to determine whether a student is making adequate progress toward their IEP goals. Progress reports must be provided to parents at regular intervals (often quarterly). Data from progress monitoring informs IEP revisions.
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R
Related Services
Supportive services required for a child with a disability to benefit from special education. Related services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, transportation, and school health services. They are specified in the IEP.
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Response to Intervention(RTI)
A multi-tier approach to identifying and supporting students with learning and behavior needs. RTI provides increasingly intensive interventions and monitors student progress. While not a replacement for special education evaluation, RTI data can inform eligibility decisions.
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Regression
The loss of skills or knowledge that occurs when educational services are interrupted, such as during summer break. Significant regression (and slow recoupment) is a key factor in determining whether a student qualifies for extended school year services.
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Recoupment
The amount of time it takes a student to regain skills lost during a break in services. IEP teams look at both regression and recoupment data when deciding on extended school year eligibility. Slow recoupment is a strong indicator that ESY is needed.
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Self-Contained Classroom
A separate classroom where students with disabilities receive most or all of their instruction apart from general education peers. Self-contained classrooms typically have smaller class sizes and specialized teaching staff. Placement in a self-contained classroom must be justified by the IEP team.
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Sensory Processing Disorder(SPD)
A condition in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information. Children with SPD may be oversensitive or undersensitive to touch, sound, light, or movement. While not a standalone IDEA category, SPD often co-occurs with autism and ADHD.
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Specific Learning Disability(SLD)
The most common IDEA eligibility category, covering conditions like dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. SLD means a disorder in one or more basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language. Students with SLD have average or above-average intelligence.
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Speech-Language Impairment(SLI)
A communication disorder that adversely affects a child's educational performance. SLI includes difficulties with articulation, fluency (stuttering), voice, and language comprehension or expression. Speech-language services are among the most common IEP-related services.
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Speech-Language Pathologist(SLP)
A licensed professional who evaluates and treats communication disorders including speech, language, social communication, and swallowing. SLPs are key members of IEP teams and provide services in schools, clinics, and homes.
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Stay Put
A provision under IDEA that allows a child to remain in their current educational placement during any dispute between parents and the school district. Stay put protections apply when due process or appeals are pending. The school cannot unilaterally change a child's placement during this time.
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Supplementary Aids and Services
Aids, services, and supports provided in regular education classes to enable children with disabilities to be educated with non-disabled peers. Examples include a note-taker, modified materials, behavior support, or assistive technology. These supports help maintain the least restrictive environment.
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Surrogate Parent
An individual appointed by the school district to represent the educational interests of a child with a disability when no parent or guardian can be identified or located. Surrogate parents have the same rights as biological parents in the IEP process.
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Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities. In schools, Section 504 ensures students with disabilities receive accommodations to access education equally. It is broader than IDEA and covers more students.
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Transition Planning
The process of preparing students with disabilities for life after high school, including post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Transition planning must begin by age 16 (or earlier in some states) and include measurable post-secondary goals in the IEP.
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Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)
An IDEA eligibility category for students who have acquired brain injuries caused by external physical force. TBI can affect cognition, language, memory, attention, reasoning, and behavior. Educational needs vary widely depending on the injury's severity and location.
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Triennial Evaluation
A comprehensive reevaluation conducted every three years to determine whether a student continues to qualify for special education services. The triennial may include updated testing, classroom observations, and teacher reports. Parents can consent to or refuse the reevaluation.
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Visual Impairment(VI)
A disability category under IDEA covering partial sight and blindness that adversely affects educational performance. Students with visual impairments may receive services from a teacher of the visually impaired, orientation and mobility training, and assistive technology like screen readers.
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Vocational Rehabilitation(VR)
A state-federal program that helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment. VR services may include job training, resume building, and workplace accommodations. VR counselors often participate in transition planning for high school students with IEPs.
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