Glossary

Special Education Glossary & Acronyms

A Family-Friendly Guide for Understanding Special Education Terms

Special education includes many terms and acronyms that may feel unfamiliar at first. This glossary was developed to support families, students, and community members in understanding the language commonly used during the special education process. If you have questions, please contact your school team or SELPA office for additional support.

Acronyms Commonly Used in Special Education

Acronym	Meaning	Family-Friendly Explanation
AAC	Augmentative and Alternative Communication	Tools or systems that support communication, such as picture boards, speech devices, or apps.
ADR	Alternative Dispute Resolution	Processes that help families and schools resolve concerns collaboratively and early.
AT	Assistive Technology	Equipment or tools that help a student access learning and participate more independently.
BIP	Behavior Intervention Plan	A plan that outlines supports and strategies to address behaviors that interfere with learning.
CAASPP	California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress	State testing used to measure student learning in California.
CAA	California Alternate Assessment	Alternate state assessments for eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities.
DIS	Designated Instruction and Services	Specialized services provided through an IEP, such as speech or counseling.
D/HH	Deaf and Hard of Hearing	A disability category describing students with hearing loss.
EC	Education Code	California laws related to education.
ESY	Extended School Year	Special education services provided during breaks, usually summer, for eligible students.
FAPE	Free Appropriate Public Education	A student’s legal right to special education services that meet their individual needs at no cost to families.
FBA	Functional Behavior Assessment	A process used to understand why a behavior is occurring and what supports may help.
IEE	Independent Educational Evaluation	An evaluation completed by a qualified professional outside of the school district.
IFSP	Individualized Family Service Plan	A plan for infants and toddlers (birth–3 years) receiving early intervention services.
IEP	Individualized Education Program	A written plan that outlines a student’s special education services, supports, and goals.
IDEA	Individuals with Disabilities Education Act	The federal law that governs special education services and rights.
LEA	Local Educational Agency	A school district, charter school, or county office of education.
LRE	Least Restrictive Environment	The requirement that students with disabilities learn alongside peers without disabilities as much as appropriate.
MTSS	Multi-Tiered System of Supports	A framework schools use to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
NPS	Nonpublic School	A specialized school placement for students whose needs cannot be met in a public school setting.
OI	Orthopedic Impairment	A disability category related to physical or mobility needs.
O&M	Orientation and Mobility	Services that help students with visual impairments move safely and independently.
OT	Occupational Therapy	Services that support fine motor, sensory, and daily living skills related to school participation.
PBIS	Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports	A schoolwide approach to teaching and supporting positive behavior.
PLAAFP	Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance	A summary of a student’s current strengths and needs in an IEP.
PT	Physical Therapy	Services that support movement, strength, balance, and physical access to school activities.
RSP	Resource Specialist Program	Specialized instruction and support provided to students with IEPs.
SDC	Special Day Class	A more specialized classroom setting for students who need intensive support.
SELPA	Special Education Local Plan Area	A regional organization that coordinates special education services and support for LEAs (e.g., school districts, charter schools, county office of education etc.)
SLP	Speech-Language Pathologist	A specialist who supports speech, language, communication, and social communication skills.
SST	Student Study Team	A school-based team that meets to discuss student concerns and interventions.
TOC	Transfer of Rights	The transfer of educational decision-making rights from parent to student at age 18, unless otherwise determined.
VI	Visual Impairment	A disability category describing students with vision loss that impacts learning.

Common Special Education Terms

Accommodations

Changes in how a student learns or demonstrates learning, such as extra time, preferential seating, or audiobooks, without changing grade-level expectations.

Modifications

Changes to what a student is expected to learn or complete, often involving adjusted curriculum or assignments.

Eligibility

The process used to determine whether a student qualifies for special education services under one of the disability categories identified in the law.

Inclusion

An educational approach in which students with disabilities learn alongside peers in general education settings with appropriate supports.

Related Services

Support services that help a student benefit from special education, such as speech therapy, counseling, transportation, or occupational therapy.

Transition Planning

Planning that begins during secondary school to help students prepare for life after high school, including college, employment, and independent living.

Progress Monitoring

The ongoing review of a student’s progress toward IEP goals and educational success.

Procedural Safeguards

The legal rights and protections provided to students with disabilities and their families under special education law.

Prior Written Notice (PWN)

A written explanation provided by the school when proposing or refusing changes related to identification, evaluation, placement, or services.

Consent

A parent’s written agreement allowing the school to evaluate a student or begin special education services.

Due Process

A formal legal procedure used to resolve disagreements between families and schools regarding special education services or decisions.

Mediation

A voluntary process in which a neutral person helps families and schools work through disagreements collaboratively.