Decoding the Top 40 Acronyms to know at the IEP Table
Entering the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can be overwhelming, especially when faced with a myriad of acronyms that seem like a secret language. Fear not! Our purpose here is to decode the top 40 acronyms you need to know around the IEP table empowering you to be an informed advocate for your child’s education.
ABA- Applied Behavior Analysis- A therapeutic approach that uses systematic techniques to understand and improve behaviors. ABA is often used to teach new skills, reduce challenging behaviors and improve overall functioning in individuals, especially those with autism spectrum disorders.
ACC- Augmentative and Alternative Communication- AAC refers to various methods and tools used to support or replace speech and writing for individuals who have difficulty communicating verbally.
ADHD- Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactive Disorder- Neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect both children and adults.
APE- Adapted Physical Education- Involves modifying physical education activities to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
AT/ ATS- Assistive Technology- Devices, tools and equipment designed to help individuals with disabilities perform tasks, improve their independence, and enhance their quality of life.
AUD- Audiologist-A healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.
ASD- autism spectrum disorder- A Neurodevelopmental condition, the term spectrum reflects the wide variation in how ASD affects people.
BCBA- Board Certified Behavior Analyst- A professional who specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis.
BIP- Behavior Intervention Plan- A BIP is a structured strategy designed to address and modify challenging behaviors. It outlines specific interventions, techniques, and support to measure and encourage positive behaviors or reduce or eliminate behaviors that may impede daily learning.
CBI- Community Based Instruction- An educational approach that takes place in community settings and helps individuals acquire and generalize skills for daily living, community engagement, and potential future employment.
CSE- Committee on Special Education- A team of professionals who collaborate to develop and review IEPs for students with disabilities.
DHH- Deaf or Hard of hearing
ECSE- Early Childhood Special Education- Educational services and support tailored for children, typically birth-kindergarten, who have developmental delays or disabilities.
EI- Early Intervention- Refers to proactive and specialized support provided to infants and young children who may be at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.
ELL/ESL-English Language Learner/ English as a Second Language
ESY- Extended School Year – Refers to educational services provided beyond the regular school year.
FAPE- Free and Appropriate Education- FAPE stands for Free Appropriate Public Education. In simple terms, FAPE represents the legal entitlement that students with disabilities have to receive an education that is tailored to their individual needs and provided at public expense.
FBA- Functional Behavior Assessment- An FBA is a systematic process used to understand and analyze behaviors. It involves observing and gathering information to identify the factors that contribute to a specific behavior.
FERPA- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act - FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law gives parents or eligible students the right to control who has access to their educational records, ensuring the confidentiality and security of personal information.
HI- Hearing Itinerant Teacher
IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - IDEA stands for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. IDEA is a federal law in the United States that ensures students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
IEP- Individualized Education Program- An IEP is a personalized plan developed for students with disabilities to ensure they receive appropriate educational services. The plan outlines specific goals, accommodations, modifications, and support services tailored to the individual needs of the student.
IEE- Independent Education Evaluation- An IEE refers to an evaluation conducted by an external professional or specialist to assess a student’s educational needs, abilities, and challenges. If there is a disagreement between the school’s evaluation and the parents’; assessment, the parents have the right to request an IEE at the school’s expense.
IFSP- Individual Family Service Plan- An IFSP is a personalized plan developed for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, as well as their families. This plan outlines the specific early intervention services and support that the child and family will receive.
SLD- Specific Learning Disability
LEA- Local Education Agency- Local Education Agency is a public authority or administrative unit at the local level, such as a school district or charter school, responsible for providing educational services within a specific geographic area.
LRE- Least Restrictive Environment- This emphasizes placing students with disabilities in educational settings that provide the most inclusion while still meeting their unique needs.
MTSS- Multi-Tiered System of Support- Is an educational framework that provides various levels of support to meet the diverse needs of students.
PBIS- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports- A proactive approach to promoting positive behavior and preventing challenging behaviors in schools. The framework involves teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors through a system of clear expectations, consistent rewards, and support.
PT- Physical Therapy
PWN- Prior Written Notice- A formal written document that schools provide to parents or guardians before making certain decisions or changes related to a child’s special education program. This notice outlines the proposed action, the reasons for it, and the options available to the parents.
O&M- Orientation and Mobility - Refers to a set of services provided to individuals with visual impairments to help them navigate and move safely and independently within their environment.
OSEP- Office of Special Education Programs- A federal agency in the United States Department of Education. It is responsible for overseeing and administering programs and services related to special education.
OT- Occupational Therapy
RTI- Response to Intervention- RTI stands for Response to Intervention. In simple terms, RTI is an educational approach aimed at providing early and systematic support to students who may be struggling academically or behaviorally.
SLP- Speech Language Pathologist
SST-Student Support team -A team of school professionals who collaborate to address the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students. The team typically includes teachers, administrators, counselors, and other specialists.
TVI- Teacher of the Visually Impaired - An educator who specializes in working with students who have visual impairments.
VI- Visual Impairment
504 Plan – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it serves as an excellent starting point to empower you with the confidence to navigate your upcoming IEP meeting. Knowing common acronyms in Special Education will help you be better equipped to navigate the complexities of processes, supports and services of the IEP table. Understanding these terms empowers you to actively engage in discussions, advocate for your child, and collaborate effectively with the educational team.
