UNDERSTANDING THE LANGUAGE 

OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

This is information only and not a substitute for the advice of a qualified expert

Accommodation An accommodation is a change in teaching techniques which accommodates what your child learns.  This can help kids with learning and attention issues to be more successful. For example, if your child has trouble finishing work in the time allotted, he or she might be allowed extra time to finish testing or work. Accommodations does not mean that she/he is not expected to learn the same things as others.

Modification A modification is a change in what a particular child is taught.  For example, instead of reading text a child might be able to listen to audio recordings. Modifications are often confused with accommodations, but they’re not the same thing.

FAPE   Children with disabilities have the right to free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This ensures that they are taught in a way that is “appropriate” for their learning style.

LRE   Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) refers to the federal law that students with disabilities receive their education, to the maximum extent appropriate, with their nondisabled peers

IDEA The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that guarantees the right to a FAPE and the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment

IEP An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a legally binding educational plan tailored specifically for your child provided if your child qualifies for special education services

PLAAFP or PLOP  is short for Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance.  It explains your child’s academic skill level and performance level at that moment.

FBA A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is the process of observing and collecting information useful for writing a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

IEE Refers to Independent Educational Evaluation. This is an evaluation not done by the school but by an outside professional hired by the family of the student.

504 Plan  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against any person with a disability by a federally funded agency or organization.  It requires states to provide programs for eligible students with disabilities that are equal to those for students without disabilities.

Both IDEA and Section 504  help students with disabilities reach their potential

WHO CAN GET SERVICES UNDER THESE LAWS?

IDEA covers students who need special education and related services because they have a disability in one or more of these categories:

Section 504 covers any person who has a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities

A major life activity under Section 504

Autism

Deaf-Blindness

Breathing

Caring for oneself

Deafness

Concentrating

Developmental delay (ages 3-9)

Eating

Hearing impairments

Hearing

Intellectual disability

Learning

Multiple disabilities

Performing manual tasks

Orthopedic impairments

Seeing

 Other health impaired

Speaking

Serious emotional disturbance

Walking

Specific learning disabilities

Working

Speech or language impairment

Also certain “major bodily functions,” such as functions of the respiratory, digestive and immune systems

Traumatic brain injury

Visual impairments including blindness 

If you think your child may be eligible, you can request an evaluation. Asking your child’s School Counselor or School Psychologist is where you should start.  Your child may be evaluated to see if your they need services.  The evaluation may include: 

Evaluation of your child’s Health History

This may include a review of your child’s medical records.

Special Tests

These look at your child’s development, intelligence and academic progress

 Observations

These come from professionals, such as teachers who have worked with your child. Your own observations are an important part of this process

INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION Plan  (IEP)

This is required if your child is eligible for IDEA services.  An IEP is a written plan created by school staff, and parents. It outlines:

·         See your child’s records

·         Ask to have your child reevaluated

·         Request an independent evaluation

·         Take part in eligibility and placement decisions

·         Seek mediation

·         Request a hearing

·         Receive regular reports

Exercising your rights as a parent and working with

your child’s school can help your child succeed.