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Learn Some Important Special Education Terms!
ELL English Language Learner
ESL English as Second Language
IEP Individual Education Program
SLP Speech and Language Pathologist
Accommodation: This is a change to or in your child’s learning environment. Accommodations can help her learn and then show what she’s learned without having her challenges get in the way. For instance, if your child takes longer to answer questions, she might be allowed extra time to take a test. Even with accommodations, kids are expected to learn the same content as their peers.
Annual Goals: The IEP document lists the academic and functional (everyday) skills the IEP team thinks your child can achieve by the end of the year. These goals are geared toward helping your child take part in the general education classroom. IEP goals need to be realistic and measurable.
Assistive technology (AT): Any device, equipment or software that helps your child work around her issues. AT can help your child learn, communicate and function better in school. AT ranges from simple tools (like highlighters) to high-tech software (like apps that reads text aloud).
Behavior intervention plan (BIP): A plan designed to teach and reward positive behavior. Typically, the plan uses strategies to prevent and stop problem behaviors. A BIP is often included as part of an IEP. To get a BIP, a child must have a functional behavioral assessment.
Disability: A condition recognized by the law. To qualify for an IEP, your child must have a disability that is one of the 13 categories listed in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
General Education Curriculum: This is the knowledge and skills that all students throughout a state are expected to master. The curriculum varies from state to state.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): The nation’s special education law. IDEA is a federal law that guarantees all children with disabilities access to a free and appropriate public education.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Students with documented disabilities must be taught in the least restrictive environment. This means they must be taught in the same setting as students without documented disabilities as much as possible. The school must offer services and supports to help a child with an IEP succeed in a general education classroom.
Modification: A modification is a change in what a student is expected to learn and demonstrate. For example, a teacher might ask the class to write an essay that analyzes three major battles during a war. A child with a modification may only be asked to write about the basic facts of those battles. Modifications are different from accommodations.
Parent Report: This is a letter you write. It’s a good way for you to document your child’s strengths, struggles and success at school, at home and in the community. By sharing the report with your child’s IEP team, you give them a more complete view of your child.
Progress Reporting: How a school will report to you on your child’s progress on annual goals. This is specified in the IEP. You will receive this quarterly.
Special Education: Specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of your child. It should be designed to give her access to the general education curriculum. The instruction is provided at no cost to you.
Supplementary Aids and Services: These are supports to help your child learn in the general education classroom. They can include equipment or assistive technology, like audiobooks or highlighted classroom notes. They may also include training for staff to help them work with your child.
Related Services: Any support services your child needs to benefit from special education. One possible example is transportation. Another is occupational therapy.
Transition Plan: This part of the IEP lays out what your teen must learn and do in high school in order to succeed as a young adult. She and the IEP team develop the plan together before it kicks in at age 16. The transition plan includes goals and activities that are academic and functional. But they extend beyond school to practical life skills and job training.
