Glossary

A

• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis): A therapeutic approach often used with students with autism and other developmental disorders, focusing on improving specific behaviors.
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): A civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability in all areas of public life.

B

• BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan): A plan that uses assessment information to create strategies for addressing challenging behaviors.
• BP (Best Practices): The most effective methods and strategies based on research and evidence.

C

• CFR (Code of Federal Regulations): The codification of rules and regulations, including those related to special education, governing schools.
• CST (Child Study Team): A team of professionals who evaluate and provide interventions for students suspected of having disabilities.

D

• DD (Developmental Delay): A term used for children showing slower progress in physical, emotional, social, or cognitive development.
• Due Process: A formal process parents can use to resolve disagreements regarding their child’s special education program.

E

• EI (Early Intervention): Services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, focusing on development before age three.
• ESY (Extended School Year): Additional services provided during breaks, such as summer, to prevent regression in skill areas.

F

• FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education): The right for students with disabilities to receive individualized education at no cost.
• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): A law protecting the privacy of student education records.

G

• General Education Curriculum: The curriculum designed for all students, including those with disabilities who may access it with accommodations.

H

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): A law protecting personal health information, which can apply to health-related school records.

I

• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act): The federal law ensuring services to children with disabilities, covering early intervention, special education, and related services.
• IEP (Individualized Education Program): A customized educational plan created for each student eligible for special education services.
• IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan): A plan for early intervention services for children under three and their families.

L

• LRE (Least Restrictive Environment): A principle stating students with disabilities should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

M

• MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports): A framework that provides varying levels of support based on students’ needs to address academic and behavioral challenges.

N

• NOREP (Notice of Recommended Educational Placement): A form used to inform parents about the educational placement and services recommended for their child.

O

• Occupational Therapy (OT): A service that helps students develop fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills needed for success in school.
• OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs): A branch of the U.S. Department of Education overseeing special education programs and ensuring IDEA compliance.

P

• PDE (Pennsylvania Department of Education): The state department responsible for public education in Pennsylvania, including special education.
• PT (Physical Therapy): Services designed to help students develop gross motor skills and improve physical function for better access to the educational environment.

R

• RTI (Response to Intervention): A multi-tiered approach to early identification and support of students with learning and behavioral needs.

S

• Section 504: A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and provides accommodations in schools.
• SRO (School Resource Officer): A law enforcement officer stationed within a school, who may work with students with disabilities for safety and crisis situations.
• SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist): A specialist who works with students on communication issues, such as speech, language, and social communication.

T

• Transition Plan: Part of the IEP that outlines goals and services to help students with disabilities move from school to post-school activities.

U

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL): An educational framework promoting flexible teaching methods to support all students’ learning.

V

• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): Services that help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.

W

• Waiver: Programs that provide additional services to individuals with disabilities outside of school, often funded by state or federal programs.