K-12 Education Terminology
Terminology
Accommodation
Accommodations are the way that a teacher changes the way that they share information or changes materials or the setup of the classroom to help students to be successful. For example, a student might be given a tool to help them remember the order of activities in the classroom or might receive information in an audio format. Even with that accommodation, though, the student is expected to learn the same content as other kids.
Child with a Disability
In public schools, the term “child with a disability” is used to describe students who are eligible for special education and related services under IDEA.
Due Process
Due process is the legal method families can use to formally disagree with the school regarding their child’s eligibility for special education services or the way in which services are received. Family members are required to file a written complaint to begin due process.
Free and Appropriate Public Education
All children, including those with disabilities, have the right to free and appropriate public education (FAPE). FAPE is one of the most important terms to know for your child. It ensures that the student has access to learning and resources that meet the same standards as every other student.
IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that guarantees the right to a free and appropriate public education and the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment.
IEP
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document. If your child qualifies for special education, this is a very important document because it lays out the student’s educational goals and what the school needs to provide in order to reach those goals. It also describes progress towards those goals. The IEP represents a contract between the student, family and school and the student and family members’ voices shape this contract.
FBA
A functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is a process used to address behavior and social/emotional needs. It helps the school to understand what a student needs in order to be successful and to learn and practice behaviors that will help them in and out of school. The FBA informs a planning process and the development of a behavior intervention plan (BIP that outlines how teachers and staff can best support the student’s behavior.
Least Restrictive Environment
Least restrictive environment (LRE) means that students with disabilities must be educated in the same setting as students without disabilities as much as possible. “Setting” refers to a general education classroom. For example, if your child needs specific supports and services to succeed in the general education classroom, the school has to offer those supports and services.
Modification
A modification is a change in what a student is expected to learn and demonstrate. For example, a written assignment might be changed to a written list or an oral assignment.
Prior Written Notice
Prior written notice is a formal letter the school sends to parents. It’s also a legal right under IDEA. Any time the school district denies, refuses or accepts a parent request for an evaluation or change to special education services, it must give prior written notice. It explains what the school plans to do or refuses to do.
Special Education
Special education is any instruction that is designed or modified to meet the needs of a student with a disability.
Supplementary Aids and Services
Supplementary aids and services are any aids, services, or supports that help a student with disabilities to be included and educated along with other students. These aids and services can apply to regular education classrooms, other educational settings, and activities offered by the school outside of the classroom.
Transition Services
Transition services are any services that help a student to move from one setting to another. The term is usually used to describe services that help students to move from school to post-school life. The transition plan should be based on the student’s interests and needs.
External Florida Resources
Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD)
Description: The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is the world’s largest provider of top-quality, evidence-based autism treatment, effectively treating individuals diagnosed with autism. CARD provides the following services to individuals of all ages: ABA therapy, individualized programs, home-clinical services, center-based services and more.
Link: http://florida-card.org/resources/educational.htm
Disability Rights of Florida
Description: Disability Rights Florida (DRF) provides legal advocacy and assistance to people with disabilities in Florida. The services provided aim to advance the life, equality, dignity, and freedom of choice of people living with disabilities.
Link: https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/disability-topics/category/special_education
Family Network on Disabilities
Description:Family Network on Disabilities (FND) is a national network of individuals of all ages who may be at-risk, have disabilities or special needs, families, and friends. FND also provides support to parents through education, training, and technical assistance.
Link: https://fndusa.org/
Florida Department of Education
Description: The Florida Department of Education supports Florida school districts and communities to ensure that all students achieve success.
Link: http://www.fldoe.org/
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
Description: The Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) provides diagnostic, training, and technical services to schools and families to promote effective parental participation in the education of children who are gifted and/or who have disabilities.
Link: http://www.fdlrs.org/
Florida’s Positive Behavior Support Project
Description: The Florida Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (FLPBIS) project provides training and technical assistance to school districts across the State of Florida to use Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) across their schools.
Link: https://flpbis.cbcs.usf.edu/
The Learning Academy
Description: The Learning Academy at the University of South Florida (USF) provides services and supports to students living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) between the ages of 18 and 25. This transition program is designed to enhance the skills that will prepare individuals to succeed in the workplace and in post-secondary education settings.
Link: http://learningacademy.fmhi.usf.edu/
External Federal Resources
Council for Exceptional Children
Description: The Council for Exceptional (CEC) is dedicated to advancing the success of children who have disabilities. CEC develops policies, practices, and guidelines for educators; examines policy issues; and develops responses to education-related issues.
Link: http://www.cec.sped.org/
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Description: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that ensures the safe management of student records and how that information is protected. Read more about FERPA at the link below.
Link: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
IDEA website
Description:Originally passed by Congress in 1975, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law designed to support special education and related services for children and youth living with disabilities.
Link: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/?src=policy-page
US Department of Education
Description: The Florida Department of Education supports Florida school districts and communities to ensure that all students achieve success.
Link: https://www.ed.gov/
The U.S. Department of Education Resources for Parents about Disabilities
Description: This is a collection of parent-focused technical assistance resources and resources about special education law and programming. State disability resources and organizations are also included on this resource list.
Link: http://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/edpicks.jhtml