Special Education Terms

504 Plan

A legal education plan that provides students with disabilities with the appropriate accommodations to successfully succeed in the General Education classroom. Students who have a 504 do not need specialized instruction.

Accommodation

A change that is done in or to a student's academic environment. Some examples of accommodations are extended time, access to a multiplication table, text-to-speech, or flexible seating. There is still an expectation for students to have access to grade-level curriculum with accommodations.

Annual Goal(s)

Academic, social emotional, and behavioral goals that are listed in an IEP for the student to achieve by the end of a school year. IEP goals should be specific, realistic, and attainable. Annual goals are designed to help students in learning in a general education environment.

Assistive Technology

Any item or piece of equipment that is used to help with the overall functionality of a person with disabilities. Assistive technology can be used for educational purposes or day-to-day living. Examples of AT include text-to-speech softwares, magnifiers, large print materials, laptops, and walkers.

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

A plan created by the student's IEP team to reinforce positive behavior expectations. A B.I.P. addresses behaviors that are hindering the students in their academic success and a plan to limit them. Students must receive a functional behavior assessment to get a B.I.P.

Disability

A condition that falls under one or more of the 13 classifications identified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Many students with disabilities qualify for an Individualized Education Plan, also known as an IEP.

Extended School Year Services (ESY)

Special education services that are provided for students outside of the school year period, typically during the summer time. These services can include transportation, speech therapy, or counseling services. ESY services are tailored to the individual student and are included in a student's IEP.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

A legal education plan that lays out the goals, services, and instruction levels for students in special education. This plan ensures that students in special education receive the proper accommodations and modifications for their ultimate success in their classroom setting, whether it's a Special Day class or a General Education class.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

The educational environment where students in special education receive instruction with their nondisabled peers, to the maximum entext. LRE is typically seen as a ladder, starting with "General Education" and ending with "Moderate/Severe all day SDC". Schools must offe services to ensure that students with an IEP can thrive in their general education classrooms.

Modification

A change to a student's curriculum and what they are expected to learn. Modifications can be in the form of giving students a different assignment or excusing them from various projects that may prove to be too difficult. Modifications are not the same as accommodations.

Present Levels

A detailed description of a student's current strengths and academic, social emotional, and behavioral standing within the educational setting. Present levels assist the IEP team in creating a student's IEP goals. Many present levels are backed up with numerical data collected by teachers, school psychologist and case manager.

Progress Reporting

A report on a student's progress towards their annual goals during the student's school's grade reporting periods. Progress reporting needs to be done as often as the school's designated grading period (e.g. semester, trimester, quarter).

Special Day Class (SDC)

A classroom provided for students who need more intensive needs than what can be offered in the general education classroom. SDC's can be in the Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe setting. Special Day classes can only be for one period for some students, while others may need SDC throughout the duration of the day.

Special Education

Specialized instruction designed to meet the unique needs of the student receiving special education services. Special education provides a range of instructional methods at no cost to families in an attempt to give students with disabilities access to general education curriculum.

Response to Intervention (RTI)

An educational tool used in schools to identify struggling students and offer assistance. Progress is monitored by teacher via observation or numerical data (e.g. test scores, homework assignments) and extra help is given to those who are struggling.

Transition Plan

A document that identifies transition goals and services for a student with special needs entering into young adulthood. The IDEA law requires that every student with an IEP receive a transition plan by the age of 16 years old. This plan can include academic, vocational, and independent living goals designed specifically with each student in mind.