Common Acronyms Used in California Special Education

A collection of common acronyms used in the context of California special education, with definitions to aid understanding and retention.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial assistance.

ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act; a law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

ADR

Alternative Dispute Resolution; a method for resolving disputes outside of the courtroom.

ALJ

Administrative Law Judge; an official who presides over governmental regulatory hearings.

AT

Assistive Technology; devices and services that enhance the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

CAC

Community Advisory Committee on Special Education; a group that advises local education agencies on special education.

CASE

Community Alliance for Special Education; an organization advocating for children with special needs.

CCS

California Children's Services; a program providing medical care for children with qualifying physical disabilities.

CDE

California Department of Education; the state agency overseeing education in California.

CDC

California Diagnostic Centers; facilities that specialize in assessing and diagnosing students with disabilities.

CAHSEE

California High School Exit Exam; a standardized test required for high school graduation.

DIS

Designated Instruction and Services; specialized instruction for students with disabilities.

DOE

U.S. Department of Education; the federal department responsible for education policy and programs.

DOR

Department of Rehabilitation; provides services to individuals with disabilities to help them achieve independence.

DREDF

Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund; a nonprofit focused on advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities.

FAPE

Free and Appropriate Public Education; the legal right of students with disabilities to receive an education.

FERPA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; a law protecting the privacy of student education records.

IDEA

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; federal legislation ensuring services to children with disabilities.

IEE

Independent Educational Evaluation; an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner not employed by the school.

IEP

Individualized Educational Program; a written plan for a student with a disability outlining specific educational goals.

IFSP

Individualized Family Service Plan; a plan for early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.

IPP

Individual Program Plan; a plan for individuals receiving services from regional centers.

LEA

Local Education Agency; the public agency responsible for providing education services.

LRE

Least Restrictive Environment; the requirement for students with disabilities to be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent.

NCLB

No Child Left Behind; federal legislation aimed at improving educational outcomes for all students.

OAH

Office of Administrative Hearings; the body that conducts administrative hearings.

OCR

U.S. Office for Civil Rights; the federal agency enforcing civil rights laws.

OEO

Office of Equal Opportunity; a division within the California Department of Education focused on equal rights in education.

OSEP

U.S. Office of Special Education Programs; oversees special education and related services.

OSERS

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services; part of the U.S. Department of Education.

OT/PT

Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy; therapies aimed at improving the physical function and quality of life of individuals with disabilities.

PAI

Protection and Advocacy, Inc.; an organization that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities.

PSRS

Procedural Safeguards and Referral Services; information provided to parents regarding their rights.

PTI

Parent Training and Information Center; a center that supports parents of children with disabilities.

PWN

Prior Written Notice; a written notice to parents regarding changes in their child's special education program.

RSP

Resource Specialist Program; provides support to students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms.

SDC

Special Day Class; a classroom designed specifically for students with significant disabilities requiring specialized support.

SELPA

Special Education Local Plan Area; a regional association that plans and provides special education services.

SERR

Special Education Rights and Responsibilities; a guidebook outlining the rights of students with disabilities.

SLP

Speech Language Pathologist; a professional specializing in communication disorders.

SPED

Special Education; educational programs specifically designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

PSW

Patterns of strengths and weaknesses: used at Vallejo unified instead of discrepancy model?A method for assessing a student's learning profile by identifying areas of strength and areas that may require additional support, guiding educational planning. This approach helps in understanding how a student learns and functions academically, socially, and behaviorally.