Navigating the World of Special Education Acronyms
Recently, you received an invitation to attend an ARD for your LD CASA child to review their IEP, develop a BIP and consider an ED evaluation by a LSSP. Got it???
Educators are quite adept at using common acronyms in their conversations with parents and Advocates. It is often assumed that everyone understands what the acronym means and how they apply to the child’s best interest. Don’t be afraid to stop and ask what exactly the acronym means.
The average lay person is not expected to understand the terminology being batted around. We have referenced a list below with the acronym and what it translates to. Please remember that there is an Education Committee for all CASA Advocates who can guide you through the acronym world. Contact your Supervisor for more information!
Special education terms:
- ARD Committee—Admission, Review and Dismissal
- BIP—Behavior Intervention Plan
- DAEP—Disciplinary Alternative Education Program/Placement
- FAPE—Free and Appropriate Public Education
- FBA—Functional Behavioral Assessment
- FERPA—Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
- FIE—Full and Individual Evaluation
- GPC—Grade Placement Committee
- IDEA—Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- IEE—Independent Education Evaluation
- IEP—Individualized Educational Program
- LEA—Local Education Agency
- LEP—Limited English Proficient
- LRE—Least Restrictive Environment
- MDR—Manifestation Determination Review
- PLAAFP—Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance
- PPCD—Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities
- RTI—Response to Intervention
- TEA—Texas Education Agency
Services Acronyms:
- OT (Occupational Therapy)
- PT (Physical Therapy)
- AT (Auditory Therapist)
- O&M (Orientation and Mobility)
Specialists Acronyms:
- SLP (Speech and Language Pathologist
- LSSP (Licensed Specialist in School Psychology)
13 categories of disabilities under IDEA:
- SLD (Specific Learning Disability
- OHI (Other Health Impaired)
- AU (Auditory Impairment)
- ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- ED (Emotional Disturbance)
- SI (Speech Impaired)
- VI (Visually Impaired)
- D (Deafness)
- DB (Deaf and Blind)
- OI (Orthopedic Impairment)
- ID (Intellectual Disability
- TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
- MD (Multiple Disabilities).