IEP acronyms, in plain words

504: Section 504 plan

A plan for accommodations under Section 504, a civil rights law. For students whose disability substantially limits a major life activity.

Ask: "Which accommodations will be used in every class, and how will teachers know?"

ADHD: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

A neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, activity, and impulse control. Often qualifies under OHI.

AUDHD: Autism + ADHD

A community word for people who are both autistic and have ADHD.

BIP: Behavior Intervention Plan

A plan for supporting behavior, based on an FBA. Focuses on teaching skills and changing what triggers the behavior.

Ask: "What will adults do differently, and how will we know it's working?"

CSE / ARD: Committee on Special Education / Admission, Review and Dismissal

Names some states use for the IEP team or meeting (CSE in New York, ARD in Texas).

ESY: Extended School Year

Services during school breaks, like summer, if your child needs them to keep making progress.

Ask: "How does the team decide on ESY, and what data will you use?"

FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education

Your child's right to a public education designed for their needs, at no cost to you.

FBA: Functional Behavioral Assessment

A study of why a behavior happens: what comes before it, what follows, and what need it meets.

Ask: "Can we do an FBA before writing a behavior plan?"

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

The federal special education law that creates IEPs.

IEE: Independent Educational Evaluation

An evaluation by someone outside the school. If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can ask for one at public expense.

Ask in writing, and name which evaluation you disagree with.

IEP: Individualized Education Program

The written special education plan for your child: goals, services, and supports.

IFSP: Individualized Family Service Plan

The plan for early intervention (birth to age 3).

LEA: Local Educational Agency

Usually your school district. The "LEA representative" at a meeting can commit district resources.

Ask: "Who here can approve this today?"

LRE: Least Restrictive Environment

Your child should learn with peers without disabilities as much as appropriate, with supports.

Ask: "What supports would let my child stay in this class?"

MTSS / RTI: Multi-Tiered System of Supports / Response to Intervention

Tiers of extra help in general education. It can't be used to delay or deny an evaluation you request.

OHI: Other Health Impairment

An IDEA eligibility category often used for ADHD and some medical conditions.

OT: Occupational Therapy

Help with fine motor skills, handwriting, sensory needs, and daily tasks.

PLAAFP / PLOP: Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance

The part of the IEP that describes where your child is now. Goals should build from it.

Ask: "Does this include what we see at home?"

PT: Physical Therapy

Help with gross motor skills like walking, balance, and strength.

PWN: Prior Written Notice

A written explanation the school must give when it proposes or refuses to change something.

Ask: "Can I have Prior Written Notice for that decision?"

SDI: Specially Designed Instruction

Teaching that is adapted to your child's needs. The heart of special education.

SEPAC / SEPTA: Special Education Parent Advisory Council / PTA

A parent group for families of students with disabilities in a district. A good place to find support.

SLD: Specific Learning Disability

An IDEA category for learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. Problems with writing (sometimes called dysgraphia) or math (dyscalculia) can also fit.

SLP: Speech-Language Pathologist

The specialist who helps with speech, language, and social communication.

Stay put: Stay-put rule

During a dispute, your child generally stays in their current placement until it's resolved.