Special Education Terms & Acronyms Parent Guide

Materials that provide the same educational information found in textbooks, pamphlets, etc. in a different format. Examples include Braille, large print, audio, and digital text. (May also be referred to as AIM; AEM is the newer, broader term for accessible materials.)

Accommodations are supports or services provided to assist a student access the general curriculum and demonstrate learning.

The age at which a student gains the rights to make his/her own decisions, including those related to education. This happens at age 18.

A federal civil rights law that protects people with disabilities at work, school, and in public places.

Any service or device, including software or equipment, that helps people work around their challenges. Examples include pencil grips, test to speech, or word prediction software.

A disorder that affects attention, self-control, and may include hyperactivity. This can cause a range of behavior issues such as difficulty attending to instruction, focusing on schoolwork, keeping up with assignments, following instructions, completing tasks and social interaction.

A means of communicating ideas and feelings that does not involve speaking. Examples include sign language, pictures, mobile device, and speech-generating devices.

A condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication.

A disorder which impacts a child’s education and social relationships. This may include disorders such as anxiety, disruptive behavioral disorders, emotional disorders, etc.

A plan designed to increase (reinforce) positive behaviors and decrease problem behaviors. This plan is developed by reviewing the results of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA).

The United States’ health protection agency whose focus is to save lives and protect people from health, safety, and security threats.

The process used to identify and evaluate students for special education services.

A hearing loss which impacts an individual’s life.

Washington’s agency that provides public assistance programs to the state’s residents in the areas of: Assistance programs, Family services, Health care, Mental health and disability services.

An impairment in physical, learning, language and/or behavior impacting day-to-day functioning, typically lasting throughout a person’s lifetime.

Services and programs provided to children ages 3–5.

The goal of early intervention and early childhood special education is to enable young children with disabilities to be active and successful participants during their early childhood years and in the future. The three Early Childhood Outcomes area include: Positive social-emotional skills (social relationships), Acquires and uses knowledge and skills (early language/communication), Uses appropriate behaviors to meet their needs.

A document that shows the results of an evaluation used by the team to report their evaluation findings. Must be re-evaluated at least every 3 years.

A condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to such a degree that it negatively affects a child’s educational performance: An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances. A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression. A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.

A student for whom English is not their first language. This student is in the process of becoming proficient in the English language.

Special education services that are provided to a child with a disability beyond the normal school year and are provided at no cost to the parent or the child.

A program that develops and sustains partnerships between families, educators, and community providers to promote success for all children and youth with disabilities.

Special education and related services that are free and appropriate for a student’s unique needs, guaranteed under IDEA.

A process to help understand a child’s problem behavior(s).

A program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families.

A federal law that ensures the confidentiality and security of an individual’s protected health information (PHI).

Starts in 7^th or 8^th grade for ALL students to help guide to the student’s high school experience and prepare the student for postsecondary education or training and career.

An evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the district or AEA. An IEE is completed, per parent request, when the parent disagrees with the results of an evaluation completed by the district or AEA.

A document that outlines necessary services to address a student's health needs at school. An emergency health plan may be included if determined necessary by the team.

A document that outlines the special education goals, services, and supports of a child who has been determined to have a disability and is in need of special education. This document is reviewed annually to determine if changes in services and supports are needed.

A federal law which guarantees the educational rights of individuals with disabilities.

A process to evaluate a child who is suspected of having a disability and who is potentially eligible for special education.

The IEP that is developed once a child has been determined to have a disability and is in need of special education services. Must be updated yearly.

Significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and living skills.

Washington’s state vocational program provides individualized services to people with disabilities to achieve their independence through successful employment and economic support.

An umbrella term for a variety of learning disabilities. These typically fall into three categories: Reading disabilities (including Dyslexia), Writing disabilities (i.e. Dysgraphia), Math disabilities (i.e. Dyscalcula)

The environment in which a child receives appropriate supports and services while learning with nondisabled peers.

The local school district.

Changes made to the context and performance standards for students with disabilities.

Provides help for people to fully engage in all aspects of life, including school, work, and play. Examples could be assistance in areas of daily living such as cooking, dressing, eating, or driving.

A division of the U.S. Department of Education focused solely upon special education.

A disability that includes limited strength, vitality, or alertness due to chronic health problems. In addition, developmental delays or problems with education performance may result.

The section of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that outlines the requirements for services to school children ages 3–21.

Specially designed exercises and equipment to help people improve or regain their physical abilities.

Services and supports to promote and maximize academic achievement and behavioral competence of all students.

Transition Plan - A portion of a student’s IEP (beginning no later than 16 and updated yearly) that allows for planning beyond high school in the areas of living, learning, and working. This should be based on assessment information, including the student’s interests and preferences.

Summary of a child’s academic achievement and functional performance completed in the graduation year which includes recommendations on how to assist the child in meeting their postsecondary goals.

A section of an IEP that provides a summary of academic achievement and functional performance.

A written notice to families providing information on the proposed or refused actions as a part of the IFSP/IEP process.

Explanation of the specific rights and responsibilities of the family in the special education process. Translations of the manual are available in seven languages: English, Arabic, Bosnian, Laotian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

An assessment conducted every three years, or as necessary, to determine continued eligibility and the best way to meet the student’s learning needs.

The process for students that focuses on planning for the future in the areas of living, learning, and working.

Supports and services provided to eligible individuals to address their unique needs.

An expert in communication who assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.

The act of transferring rights from the parent to the student. This gives the student the right to make his/her own decisions, including those related to education. In Washington, this happens at age 18.

Sudden damage to the brain caused by a bump, blow, or a jolt to the head. Injuries can range from mild concussions to severe permanent brain damage.

Impairment to vision that adversely affects an individual’s learning. This includes partial sight and blindness.

Federal grants provided to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.