Special Education Terminology and Laws

A collection of flashcards covering important terminology and concepts related to special education laws and practices.

IDEA

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; the primary federal SPED law.

FAPE

Free Appropriate Public Education; the standard for services provided.

LRE

Least Restrictive Environment; educating students with peers to the max extent.

SELPA

Special Education Local Plan Area; CA's regional system for service delivery.

IEP

Individualized Education Program; the legal contract of services.

Due Process

Formal legal procedure to resolve disagreements between parents and districts.

Mediation

A voluntary meeting with a neutral third party to settle disputes.

Accommodations

Tools or changes to help a student access the curriculum (how they learn).

Modifications

Fundamental changes to the curriculum content (what they learn).

Assessment Plan

The formal document parents sign to allow testing to begin.

SST

Student Success Team; a pre-referral intervention process.

RTI

Response to Intervention; focused on academic interventions.

Transition Services

Coordinated activities to help students move to post-secondary life.

CDE

California Department of Education.

CAC

Community Advisory Committee; parent-led group within a SELPA.

Triennial

Comprehensive assessment every 3 years to determine continued eligibility.

BIP

Behavior Intervention Plan; a formal plan to change behavior.

SDC

Special Day Class; a self-contained classroom for higher needs.

PBIS

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

AT

Assistive Technology; equipment to increase functional capabilities.

Age of Majority

The age (18) when legal rights transfer to the student.

Service Logs

Records of when and for how long a service was provided.