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Education Glossary

Special Education

20 terms in this category

504 Plan (Section 504)

A plan providing accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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Accommodations

Changes in how students access and demonstrate learning without altering what is being taught or expected standards.

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Assistive Technology (AT)

Equipment or systems that help students with disabilities access curriculum, communicate, or complete tasks they could not otherwise do.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A developmental disability affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior, qualifying students for special education services.

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Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

A plan developed for students whose behavior impedes learning, outlining strategies to address challenging behaviors positively.

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Child Find

The legal requirement for schools to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities who may need special education services.

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Dyslexia

A specific learning disability affecting reading, characterized by difficulties with word recognition, spelling, and decoding.

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Extended School Year (ESY)

Special education services provided beyond the normal school year to prevent significant regression in critical skills.

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FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)

The legal right of students with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs.

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Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

A systematic process to understand why a student engages in challenging behavior by identifying triggers and maintaining factors.

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Gifted and Talented (GT)

Programs serving students with exceptional abilities who need differentiated instruction beyond the standard curriculum.

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Inclusion Classroom (Mainstream)

A general education classroom where students with and without disabilities learn together with appropriate supports.

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Individualized Education Program (IEP)

A legally binding document outlining specialized instruction and services for a student with disabilities under IDEA.

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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Federal law ensuring students with disabilities receive free appropriate public education through special education services.

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Learning Disability (LD)

A neurological condition affecting how the brain processes information, impacting skills like reading, writing, or math.

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LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)

The IDEA requirement that students with disabilities be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.

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Paraprofessional (Paraeducator)

A school employee who works under teacher supervision to provide instructional and support services to students.

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Related Services

Support services required for a student with a disability to benefit from special education, such as speech therapy or counseling.

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Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

A disorder affecting one or more basic learning processes, such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or math (dyscalculia).

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Transition Services (Transition Planning)

Coordinated activities preparing students with disabilities for life after high school, including employment, education, and independent living.

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