Calling All Parents: Know Your Child's Educational Rights!, Part 3

By Craig Gibson from Autismspot

In Part 1 of "Calling All Parents: Know Your Child’s Educational Rights, I talked about your child’s educational rights, the process of getting your child evaluated, and the integral role you, the parent, plays in the I.E.P. process from start to finish.

In part 2, I talked about the various forms that you may be expected to sign at the I.E.P. meeting, in addition to what to expect next, upon completion of the I.E.P. meeting.

In the final part of this series, I want to list some of the acronyms (a.k.a., special education jargon) you may come across in some of the legal documents that are presented before you. However, before I get to that, always remember that you have the power to be an effective advocate for your child. Although the laws of special education can, at times, seem overwhelming, you can successfully navigate through the maze by knowing the basics. While some of the timelines may vary from one state to the next, federal law applies to all states; therefore, all states must adhere to the various special education regulations.

For accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities, I strongly encourage you to check out www.wrightslaw.com. This site is full of very worthwhile and relevant information. I also highly recommend the following books, as these may be a tremendous resource for you (and are very easy to read!):

1. Special Education Law (Second Edition), 2007 (Peter W.D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright)

2. From Emotions to Advocacy (Second Edition), 2007 (Pam Wright and Pete Wright)

Special Education Acronyms:

ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis)

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

APS (Approved Private School)

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

AT (Assistive Technology)

AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress)

BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan)

BSE (Bureau of Special Education)

DAP (Developmentally Appropriate Practices)

DTT (Discrete Trial Training)

ED (Emotional Disturbance)

EI (Early Intervention)

ER (Evaluation Report)

ESL (English as a Second Language)

ESY (Extended School Year)

FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education)

FBA (Functional Behavioral Assessment)

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

FSA (Facilitated Self-Assessment)

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)

IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation)

IEP (Individualized Education Plan)

IFSP (Individualized Family Services Plan)

LEA (Local Educational Agency)

LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)

MA (Medical Assistance)

MAWA (Mutually Agreed Upon Written Agreement)

MD (Multiple Disabilities)

MDT (Multidisciplinary Team)

MR (Mental Retardation)

NCLB (No Child Left Behind)

NOREP (Notice of Recommended Educational Placement)

O & M (Orientation and Mobility)

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)

PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder)

PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified)

PT (Physical Therapy)

SEA (State Educational Agency)

SLD (Specific Learning Disability)

TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)

VI (Visual Impairment)

Craig Gibson, M.Ed., was diagnosed with a learning disability at the age of six, and spent the next twelve years in special education. He has since earned two degrees, has published on the local and national levels, and is a Featured Blogger of the internationally acclaimed AutsmSpot.com. Craig is also the Assistant Editor of SensorySpot.com (sister site of AutismSpot.com). Craig can be reached at craig.gibson6@verizon.net.

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