Commonly Used Terminology and Acronyms in Special Education
Commonly Used Terminology and Acronyms:
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE):
Regardless of a students disability, they are to be educated in the environment that is best-suited or adapted to meet the students individual needs.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP):
This is a plan for your child if they qualify for special education services. This plan is individualized to the needs of the child and is required based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. IEPs must be updated at least one time annually. Annually being at least 364 days prior to the last held meeting date.
Intervention Specialist are teachers who have specialized training, which is required to assist in meeting the needs of identified students. Intervention specialists are certified to meet the needs of students with Mild/Moderate needs or Moderate/Intensive needs.
This is an in depth analysis of a person's psychological and educational functioning. The ETR includes all factors related to learning including intelligence, learning style, specific social or emotional problems, and any other factors that can influence one's ability to learn and function in school, college, or the workplace. The ETR always comes before the IEP as the ETR determines if the student qualifies for special education services.
Occupational Therapist (OT), Physical Therapist (PT), Speech and Language (SLI):
These are all related service providers. OT deals with fine motor concerns, PT with gross motor, and Speech with communication concerns.
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI):
Specially designed instruction describes how, where, and how much instruction students receive on their specific individualized goals located in their IEPs.
John Peterson Scholorship Notification (JPSN) and Autism Scholarship Program (ASP):
School age scholarship programs that allow parents the opportunity to apply for public education funds and seek services outside of the district of residence. Once a parent chooses to enroll in the program and accept the scholarship the district of residence no longer provides services or FAPE.
Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE):
Students qualifying for special education must be provided FAPE as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). One part of FAPE is having a current and up to date IEP for students who qualify for services.
Prior Written Notice (PR01):
This is a notice provided by your district of residence after IEP meetings, ETR meetings, or any other meeting where special education services are discussed. This is the districts summary of the meeting and what took place.
District of Residence (DOR):
District of Residence refers to your public school district in which you reside in. Students who open enroll to other schools will still have documents reviewed and signed by their DOR representatives.
English as a Second Language (ESL), Limited English Proficient (LEP) or English Language Learner (ELL):
These refer to students who are identified as having English as their second language.