Below is a list of terms and definitions commonly used when discussing Special Education:
Assistive Technology (AT) Device
A piece of equipment or product which is used to increase, maintain or improve the way a child with a disability interacts and communicates with the world around them.
Chapter 14
The section of Pennsylvania State Education Law that provides special education regulations in compliance with Federal education law, namely IDEA 2004.
Chapter 711
Section of PA State Education Law that provides special education regulations in compliance with Federal education law, and specifically pertains to students with disabilities who are enrolled in charter, cyber charter, or regional charter schools.
Child with a disability
A child evaluated as having an intellectual disability, a hearing impairment including deafness, a speech or language impairments, a visual impartment including blindness, emotional disturbance, an orthopedic impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, a specific learning disability, deaf-blindness, or multiple disability, and who, as a result of the disability, needs special education and related services.
Due Process
The procedures that parents can use to disagree with the decisions of school district officials concerning special education. The parent is informed of this right by written notice, which describes the options of a preliminary resolution session, a formal hearing, and appeals.
Evaluation
The process used to determine if a child has a disability and if special education is needed. The evaluation looks at how the child learns the kinds of instruction that would be successful, and the kinds of instruction that have been tried and have not resulted in success.
Evaluation Report (ER)
The report that is compiled and written by the evaluation team (which includes the parents) following an evaluation. It describes all of the information gathered from the team members, including the results of assessment. From the report, the evaluation team determines the student’s eligibility and need for special education programs.
Evaluation Team
A team of educators, other professional individuals, and the child’s parents that reviews all formal testing of a child and al other evaluation material. The evaluation team must issue a written report stating if the child is a child with a disability who needs special education and making suggestions about the program and services need.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
A program of education and related services for a child with a disability that is designed to meet the child’s special education needs. Appropriate services are those that allow the child to make meaningful progress in the educational setting. FAPE is provided without charge to parents.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The plan written by the IEP team (including parents) that specifically describes the program and services necessary for a free appropriate public education for the child with a disability.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Provides the legal authority for early intervention and special education services for children from birth to age 21. Part B outlines services for children ages three to 21. Part C outlines services for children from birth to age 3.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Students eligible for special education will be educated to the maximum extent appropriate with students who are not disabled.
Notice of Recommended Education Placement (NOREP)/Prior Written Notice (PWN)
The notice given to parents that summarizes the recommendations of the school for the child’s educational program, as well as other actions.
Parent
A birth parent, adoptive parent, surrogate parent, or foster parent who has been assigned educational decision-making rights. The term may also apply to an individual acting in the place of a birth or adoptive parent (including grandparent or other relative) with whom the child lives and who has educational decision-making rights, or an individual who is legally responsible for the child.
Related Services
Services necessary to provide specially-designed instruction to ensure that child benefits from the special education programs. Examples are special transportation, counseling, school heath service, and physical therapy.
Secondary Transition Services
Specific planning in school that helps to prepare students with disabilities to participate more effectively in higher education or job training, community participation, independent living, continuing and adult education, and employment when they leave school.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Protects the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. This law is closely intertwined with IDEA. Children with disabilities who are not eligible for special education may qualify for accommodations under Section 504.
Special Education
An educational program individually designed to meet the unique education needs for a child with a disability. A special education professional is directly involved as either a consultant or a provider of services.
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)
Adapting the content, methods, or delivery of the instruction as is appropriate based on the unique needs of the child with a disability.