A Parent's Comprehensive Guide to IEP Terminology

Sep 12, 2024

Blu McCormick

Navigating the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process can be overwhelming for parents and guardians, especially when you're faced with a huge storm of acronyms and specialized terminology. Understanding these key phrases and terms is crucial in effectively advocating for your child's needs and collaborating with educators. This guide will help you get familiar with the language of special education, breaking down the most common terms and acronyms you’ll encounter during the IEP process!

Language of an IEP

A lot of specialized vocabulary may be included in your child's IEP that you may be unfamiliar with. Below you can find lists of terms that you may come across, along with an explanation of what they really mean! Our ⭐ terms are essential for beginners in this process

Assessment and Evaluation

⭐ Assessment: Methods and tools used to evaluate a student's abilities, skills, and needs to develop appropriate educational strategies.
Evaluation: Comprehensive assessments conducted to determine a student's specific educational needs and eligibility for special education services.
Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM): Frequent assessment of a student's progress in basic academic areas such as reading and math, used to track development and adjust instruction as needed.
IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation): An evaluation conducted by an external qualified professional, often sought by parents if they disagree with the school's assessment results.
⭐ Learning Disability (LD): A neurological disorder that affects a student's ability to read, write, speak, or calculate, requiring specialized instruction.
Multidisciplinary Team: A group of professionals from different disciplines who evaluate a student’s needs and help develop and implement the IEP.
PLAAFP (Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance): A statement in the IEP describing the student’s current abilities, challenges, and how their disability affects their progress in the general education curriculum.
⭐ Reevaluation: A periodic review of a student’s educational needs and progress, typically conducted every three years, to determine continued eligibility for special education services.

Behavioral and Social-Emotional Supports

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP): A plan included in the IEP that addresses challenging behaviors through specific strategies and supports, often following a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA).
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): A systematic approach to identifying the underlying causes of a student's problematic behaviors and developing interventions to address them.
Psychological Services: Services provided to evaluate and support a student's emotional and behavioral needs as part of their educational plan.
CST (Child Study Team): A group of professionals who evaluate a student to determine eligibility for special education services and help develop the IEP.
Differentiated Instruction: Adapting teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students in the classroom, ensuring each student can access the curriculum.
Eligibility Determination: The process of assessing whether a student qualifies for special education services under IDEA criteria.
ESY (Extended School Year): Additional educational services provided during school breaks to prevent regression and support continued progress toward IEP goals.
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education): The right of students with disabilities to receive an education that meets their unique needs, provided at no cost to their families under IDEA.
Intervention: Targeted strategies and supports implemented to address a student's specific learning or behavioral needs.

Educational Services and Supports

⭐ Accommodations: Changes to how a student learns material, such as extra time on tests or seating arrangements, without altering the curriculum content.
⭐ Assistive Technology (AT): Devices or software that support students with disabilities in accessing educational content, such as speech-to-text programs or communication boards.
Inclusion: Educating students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers in the general education classroom, with appropriate support and services.
Related Services: Additional services that support a student's educational experience, such as speech therapy, counseling, or transportation, necessary for benefiting from special education.
SDI (Specially Designed Instruction): Tailored instruction adapted to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability, often involving specific strategies and materials.
Occupational Therapy (OT): Therapy aimed at helping students develop or improve the skills needed for daily living and academic success.
Orientation and Mobility Services: Training provided to visually impaired students to navigate their environments safely and independently.
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): Services provided by speech therapists to address communication disorders, helping students improve their speech and language skills.
Supplementary Aids and Services: Additional support is provided to a student to ensure they can participate successfully in general education settings.
Self-Contained Classroom: A classroom setting where students with disabilities receive instruction separately from their non-disabled peers, often with more intensive support.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): An educational approach that provides flexible methods and materials to accommodate the diverse learning styles and needs of all students.

IEP Components and Processes

⭐ Annual Goals: Specific, measurable goals outlined in the IEP that the student aims to achieve within the academic year. These are crucial for tracking progress and ensuring the educational plan is effective.
Baseline Data: Initial data collected to understand a student's current performance level before implementing the IEP, serving as a starting point for measuring progress.
Case Manager: A professional responsible for coordinating the implementation of the IEP and serving as a liaison between the school and family.
⭐ Individualized Education Plan (IEP): A customized educational plan for a student with disabilities, detailing goals, services, accommodations, and modifications needed for success.
⭐ IEP Meeting: A meeting where the IEP team, including parents and educators, discuss and develop the student's IEP plan.
Modifications: Changes to the curriculum content or performance expectations for a student, making it accessible and achievable based on their abilities.
Transition Plan: A section of the IEP outlining the goals and services for students aged 16 and older to facilitate their transition from school to adult life.

Legal Terms and Rights

⭐ ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): A civil rights law ensuring equal opportunity and access for individuals with disabilities across various public and private sectors, including schools.
Due Process: A formal procedure that ensures fair treatment and resolution of disputes between parents and schools regarding the IEP or special education services.
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act): The federal law that governs special education services, ensuring that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education tailored to their needs.
LRE (Least Restrictive Environment): The educational setting that allows students with disabilities to be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible while meeting their needs.
Manifestation Determination: A process to determine if a student's behavior issues are linked to their disability, affecting disciplinary actions.
Nonpublic School Placement: Placement in a private educational setting at public expense for students whose needs cannot be met in public schools.
Parent and Training Information Centers (PTIs): Organizations that provide resources and support to parents of children with disabilities, helping them understand their rights and navigate the special education system.
Prior Written Notice: A formal document provided by schools outlining proposed changes to a student’s educational program, ensuring parents are informed and involved.
Section 504: Part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, ensuring students with disabilities receive accommodations necessary for equal access to education.
Ward of the State: A child who is under the legal protection of the state rather than their biological parents, often in foster care or with a legal guardian.

Specific Disability Categories

Visual Impairment (VI): A disability category under IDEA encompassing any vision loss that impacts educational performance, requiring specialized instruction and services.
Hearing Impairment: A disability category in IDEA referring to hearing loss that adversely affects educational performance.

How To Best Understand Your Child’s IEP

Understanding the language in your child’s IEP is important in making the most out of the plan. Some tips on best utilizing the glossary above includes:

Do your best to familiarize yourself with the terminology you come across. The more comfortable you get with the language, the easier it will be for you to understand and follow along in an IEP meeting. Adding the terminology to your vocabulary will help with this process too!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Everything is a process and questions are a great guide to getting answers
Use what you know to advocate for your child’s needs. This will help ensure their IEP is made exactly the way it needs to be.

Overall

Mastering IEP terminology is critical for both parents and professionals in the field to be effective advocates for the educational requirements of students with disabilities. Knowing these terms will make you a much more confident and informed IEP participant so that you can ensure your child gets what is necessary for them to succeed throughout their educational journey.

Remember, becoming fluent in IEP language is a process. Be patient with yourself and don't hesitate to ask for clarification when needed. Your commitment to understanding these terms is a significant step in supporting your child's educational journey.