An Important List of Special Education Terms Parents Should Know
by
PSN Team 
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As you advocate for your child, you may feel that everyone has started speaking in a foreign language during meetings. We have put together a quick reference list of special education terms in the hopes that it may bring more understanding and clarity.
After all, knowledge is power.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TERMS
Academic Yearly Progress (AYP): This refers to the annual improvement that states, school districts, and schools must make each year, as measured by academic assessment, so that all public elementary and secondary schools have the same high academic standards.
Accommodations:Â Changes to allow a person with a disability to participate in an activity, such as how tests are administered (extended time, different testing formats, etc.), alterations to a classroom, or other requirements. Appropriate accommodations are made to level the playing field, i.e., to provide equal opportunity to demonstrate knowledge.
Achievement test: This test measures competency in a particular area of knowledge or skill, and it measures mastery or acquisition of skills.
Alternative assessment: This usually means an alternative to a paper and pencil test and refers to non-conventional methods of assessing achievement (e.g., work samples and portfolios).
Assessment (evaluation):Â Testing and measuring skills and abilities to facilitate an IEP development. Assessments include aptitude tests, achievement tests, and screening tests.
Assistive technology device:Â Equipment used to maintain or improve the capabilities of a child with a disability.
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP): A term used to describe a written plan that addresses behavior problems, positive interventions, program modifications (if necessary), strategies, support, and supplementary aids and services.
Inclusion:Â A term that describes services that allow students with disabilities to participate in general education classrooms, often featuring appropriate support services and educational accommodations.
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP):Â A written statement that is developed, reviewed, and revised to meet the needs of a child with a disability. IEPs contain measurable annual academic and functional goals and objectives.
Individual Education Program Team:Â This term describes the team of parents, administrators, teachers, school personnel, and other individuals, such as medical professionals, who assist with assessing results and planning objectives, goals, and services for a child with a disability.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Providing a child with special needs the maximum possible interaction within the general school population. Multiple options exist based on the child’s needs and situation.
Mainstreaming: The practice of placing special needs children in regular classrooms for at least a part of the children’s educational program. See also the least restrictive environment and inclusion.
Modifications: Substantial changes in what the student is expected to demonstrate, including changes in instructional level, content, and performance criteria, may include changes in test form or format, including alternate assessments.
Progress monitoring: A scientifically based practice used to assess students’ academic performance and evaluate the effectiveness of instruction; it can be implemented with individual students or an entire class.
Remediation:Â Process by which an individual receives instruction and practice in weak or nonexistent skills to develop/strengthen these skills.
Transition Services:Â This IEP requirement is designed to facilitate the transition from school to the workplace or higher education.
See the links below for more information on special education terms and how to advocate for your child.
Helpful Articles
A Review…What Is Special Education
How Can Parents Prepare for an IEP Meeting? (Part 1)
Advocate more Effectively by Understanding the Public School Hierarchy
Special Education & Disability Acronyms / Abbreviations {Tip 23 of 31}
Download: Special Education & Disability Acronyms or Abbreviations
The Politics of Special Education: The Information You Need Right Now
Whether It’s Your First IEP or You’re a Pro: 10 things to Cover at the Meeting
Know Your Rights in the IEP Process: What Do Those Procedural Safeguards Really Mean?
