Top 41 Special Education Acronyms
You’re at your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting. The special education teacher reviews your child’s school placement, and says that for your child to receive FAPE, they need to stay in the LRE…. what?!
I’m helping you crack the code of these acronyms! Special Education has many acronyms, representing many important decisions for your child.
During the IEP meeting
If at ANY time, you do not feel like you understand the terms the IEP team is using, or if you disagree with what the IEP team is saying, please let them know! They are there to support your child.
Free Printable Acronyms Chart
Many families find that a binder is a great way to help them stay organized with all of the IEP paperwork that is provided.
Feel free to print this acronym list out and keep it in your child’s IEP binder .
| Acronym | Meaning |
| ADA | Americans with Disabilities Act |
| ADR | Alternative Dispute Resolution |
| ASD | Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| AT/ AAC | Assistive Technology/ Augmentative Communication |
| BCBA | Board Certified Behavior Analyst |
| BIP | Behavior Intervention Plan |
| DHH | Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| ED | Emotional Disturbance |
| ELL/ ESL | English Language Learner/ English as a Second Language |
| EI | Early Intervention |
| ESY | Extended School Year |
| FAPE | Free and Appropriate Education |
| FBA | Functional Behavior Assessment |
| FERPA | Federal Education Records Privacy Act |
| ID | Intellectual Disabilities |
| IDEA | Individuals with Disabilities Education Act |
| IEE | Independent Evaluation |
| IEP | Individualized Education Plan |
| IFSP | Individual Family Service Plan |
| LEA | Local Education Agency |
| LRE | Least Restrictive Environment |
| MD | Manifestation Determination |
| MTSS/ RTI | Multi-Tiered System of Success/ Response to Intervention |
| NCLB | No Child Left Behind |
| OSEP | US Office of Special Education Program |
| OSERS | US Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Programs |
| O & M | Orientation and Mobility |
| OT | Occupational Therapy |
| PLOP | Present Levels of Performance |
| PT | Physical Therapy |
| PWN | Prior Written Notice |
| RSP | Resource Specialist Program |
| SAI | Specialized Academic Instruction |
| SDC | Special Day Class |
| SELPA | Special Education Local Plan Area |
| SLD | Specific Learning Disability |
| 504 | Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act |
Let me know if you need help with other acronyms! I’m here to support you and your family.