Important acronyms
What is an IEP?
(Individualized Educational Plan)
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement for a student eligible for special education that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with state and federal laws. The IEP guides your student's learning while in special education. It describes the amount of time that your student will spend receiving special education, any related services your student will receive, and the academic/behavioral goals and expectations for the year. Your student's IEP team will meet at least once a year to talk about your student’s progress and make any needed changes to the program.
What is SDI?
Specially designed instruction means adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible student, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction: (i) To address the unique needs of the student that result from the student's disability; and (ii) To ensure access of the student to the general curriculum, so that the student can meet the educational standards within the jurisdiction of the public agency that apply to all students.
What is IDEA?
(Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
IDEA is a law that allows students with disabilities to access the education they need to thrive. The purpose of IDEA is to ensure equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and self-sufficiency for all students with disabilities.
What is LRE?
(Least Restrictive Environment)
LRE is the requirement by federal law that students with disabilities receive their education in the general education classroom to the fullest extent possible. It also ensures that students with disabilities are not removed from regular (general education) classes more than necessary. This information is determined by the IEP team.
What is FAPE?
FAPE is the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education for all students with disabilities in the United States. FAPE means special education and related services that (1) Are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge; (2) Meet the standards of the OSPI, and the act; (3) Include an appropriate preschool, elementary school, or secondary school education in the state; and (4) Are provided in conformity with an individualized education program that meets the requirements of WAC 392-172A-03090 through 392-172A-03135.
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan is an individualized plan for students with accommodations only. For example, your students may need extended time on tests, breaks, or access to the health room for medical reasons. The goal of Section 504 is to level the playing field, not to maximize potential.
SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
PT
Physical Therapist
OT
Occupational Therapist
ECE
Early Childhood Education
(Individualized Educational Plan)
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement for a student eligible for special education that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with state and federal laws. The IEP guides your student's learning while in special education. It describes the amount of time that your student will spend receiving special education, any related services your student will receive, and the academic/behavioral goals and expectations for the year. Your student's IEP team will meet at least once a year to talk about your student’s progress and make any needed changes to the program.
What is SDI?
Specially designed instruction means adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible student, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction: (i) To address the unique needs of the student that result from the student's disability; and (ii) To ensure access of the student to the general curriculum, so that the student can meet the educational standards within the jurisdiction of the public agency that apply to all students.
What is IDEA?
(Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
IDEA is a law that allows students with disabilities to access the education they need to thrive. The purpose of IDEA is to ensure equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and self-sufficiency for all students with disabilities.
What is LRE?
(Least Restrictive Environment)
LRE is the requirement by federal law that students with disabilities receive their education in the general education classroom to the fullest extent possible. It also ensures that students with disabilities are not removed from regular (general education) classes more than necessary. This information is determined by the IEP team.
What is FAPE?
FAPE is the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education for all students with disabilities in the United States. FAPE means special education and related services that (1) Are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge; (2) Meet the standards of the OSPI, and the act; (3) Include an appropriate preschool, elementary school, or secondary school education in the state; and (4) Are provided in conformity with an individualized education program that meets the requirements of WAC 392-172A-03090 through 392-172A-03135.
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan is an individualized plan for students with accommodations only. For example, your students may need extended time on tests, breaks, or access to the health room for medical reasons. The goal of Section 504 is to level the playing field, not to maximize potential.
SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
PT
Physical Therapist
OT
Occupational Therapist
ECE
Early Childhood Education
Frequently asked Questions
What does “disability” mean in special education?
Effective January 1, 2022. WAC 392-172A-01035: (a) Child with a disability or a student eligible for special education services means a student who has been evaluated and determined to need special education services because of having a disability in one of the following eligibility categories: Intellectual disability, deafness (including hard of hearing), a speech or language impairment, a visual impairment (including blindness), an emotional/behavioral disability, an orthopedic impairment, autism, traumatic brain injury, an other health impairment, a specific learning disability, deafblindness, multiple disabilities, or for students, three through nine, a developmental delay and who, because of the disability and adverse educational impact, has unique needs that cannot be addressed exclusively through education in general education classes with or without individual accommodations, and needs special education and related services.
What are three criterias for qualifying for special education services?
Effective January 1, 2022. WAC 392-172A-01035: (a) Child with a disability or a student eligible for special education services means a student who has been evaluated and determined to need special education services because of having a disability in one of the following eligibility categories: Intellectual disability, deafness (including hard of hearing), a speech or language impairment, a visual impairment (including blindness), an emotional/behavioral disability, an orthopedic impairment, autism, traumatic brain injury, an other health impairment, a specific learning disability, deafblindness, multiple disabilities, or for students, three through nine, a developmental delay and who, because of the disability and adverse educational impact, has unique needs that cannot be addressed exclusively through education in general education classes with or without individual accommodations, and needs special education and related services.
What are three criterias for qualifying for special education services?
- Your child must have a documented disability.
- Your child's disability(ies) adversely affects their educational performance.
- Your child’s unique needs cannot be addressed through general education classes alone – with or without individual accommodations, and requires specially designed instruction (SDI).
How many times will the IEP team meet to review my child’s progress?
Your student's IEP team is required to meet at least once a year to talk about your student's progress on their IEP goals. Meeting members include: parent or guardian, the student, a special education teacher, a school administrator, and other service providers who support your student.
What is the purpose of a (SPED) special education evaluation?
Special education evals occur every three years, per federal mandate. Evaluations help determine eligibility for special education services. Evaluations can be requested by the school or family at any time
Your student's IEP team is required to meet at least once a year to talk about your student's progress on their IEP goals. Meeting members include: parent or guardian, the student, a special education teacher, a school administrator, and other service providers who support your student.
What is the purpose of a (SPED) special education evaluation?
Special education evals occur every three years, per federal mandate. Evaluations help determine eligibility for special education services. Evaluations can be requested by the school or family at any time
Parent/Guardian Rights
For detailed information click the link below and use the index to find the correct pages.
https://www.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/public/specialed/pubdocs/ProceduralSafeguards.pdf
Prior Written Notice
A written notice needs to be provided before accessing an records.
Page 6
Native Language
Communication is adapted regarding the individuals disability or native language other than English.
Page 7
Consent For Initial Evaluation
A written notice needs to be provided before conducting an initial evaluation.
Page 8
Special Educational Dispute Resolution Procedures
If any disputes or disagreements occur it is encouraged to find a resolution.
Page 17
https://www.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/public/specialed/pubdocs/ProceduralSafeguards.pdf
Prior Written Notice
A written notice needs to be provided before accessing an records.
Page 6
Native Language
Communication is adapted regarding the individuals disability or native language other than English.
Page 7
Consent For Initial Evaluation
A written notice needs to be provided before conducting an initial evaluation.
Page 8
Special Educational Dispute Resolution Procedures
If any disputes or disagreements occur it is encouraged to find a resolution.
Page 17