• Common Terminology Explained

    When it comes to Special Education, a lot of abbreviations and unfamiliar terminology may be used. Check out the chart below to help decode some of the most commonly used terms.  If you don’t find what you are looking for there, check out the resources in the links below.

     
     

    Special Education Term

    Definition

    Explanation

    IEP

    Individualized Education Program

    This document will outline a tailored plan to meet the educational needs of the individual child.

    ER

    Evaluation Report

    This report will be written to explain findings from educational assessments and observation conducted to determine if a student is elligible for Special Education services.

    LRE

    Least Restrictive Environment

     An educational setting which gives students with disabilities a place to learn to the best of their ability and also have contact with children without disabilities. 

    FAPE

    Free and Appropriate Education

    A requirement that all school-aged children despite having a disability, be provided services in the public school system at no cost to the parent. 

    NOREP

    Notice of Recommended Educational Plan/Placement

    The NOREP is a form filled out by the school district which describes a child recommended placement as discussed in the IEP. It reviews the learner's needs and strengths, describes other settings that were considered, and explains why other options were rejected. 

             SDI

    Specially Designed Instruction

    Specific instructional approaches and techniques to meet the needs of an individual student. 

    PCA

    Personal Care Assistant

    An employed person who helps persons who helps identified students with their activities of daily living. 

    Procedural Safeguards

     

    As the parent of a child who may receive special education, you have certain rights that are guaranteed by federal law: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).These rights are listed in the Procedural Safeguards packet and include your right to participate in meetings dealing with the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of your child and the provision of a free appropriate public education to your child.

     
    Progress Monitoring

     Data Collection

    A form of assessment in which student learning is evaluated on a regular basis (for example weekly, monthly) in order to determine the appropriateness of an intervention of teaching methodology. 

    Assistive Technology

     

     

      Technology used to help a person with disabilities. The range of technologies can vary from use of rubber pencil grips through voice synthesizers.
     Mainstreaming/Inclusion    Some or all of the child's day is spent in a regular classroom; often used interchangeably with inclusion.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     

     
     
     
     
     























  • Resources for Special Education Terms