Special Education Terms

The official compilation of regulations and rules enacted by state agencies. It dictates how school districts, educators, and the Department of Education must operate. These rules are created by the State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education.

The state government agency responsible for overseeing public K-12 education. It sets academic standards, licenses educators, administers statewide assessments, approves curricula, and distributes state and federal funding to local school districts.

Important safeguards that protect the rights of parents and disabled students. Also, give families and school systems several mechanisms through which to resolve their disputes. Parental Rights under IDEA summarizes these safeguards.

A federal law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring equal access to education.

This is a federal office under the U.S. Department of Education dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities. OSEP administers the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and provides leadership, grants, and support to ensure equitable access to education for students birth through age 21.

A a division of the U.S. Department of Education that improves outcomes and ensures equal educational and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities of all ages.

A related service, it focuses on improving a child's functional independence and physical, cognitive, and sensory-motor skills in the school environment.

The person(s) legally authorized to make educational decisions on behalf of a student. At 18 in most states, the student holds their own education rights unless a court limits them.

A proactive, evidence based framework designed to promote positive student behavior, improve social skills, and create a safe, supportive learning environment. Instead of relying on punishments, PBS focuses on teaching expected behaviors and rewarding positive choices.

The foundational first section of the IEP that outlines a student's current abilities, strengths, and needs based on objective data.

A collaborative tool used to map out a student's educational journey, helping them set specific academic, career, and personal goals while tracking their ongoing progress toward graduation and beyond.

A related service, designed to help students with disabilities physically access their educational environment and participate in school activities.

Places families can get free help to understand their student with a disability’s education rights and learn to use them effectively.

A proactive, multi-tiered educational framework used by schools to identify struggling learners early and provide targeted instruction.

Provides teens and adults with disabilities the customized training, job coaching, and advocacy needed to secure competitive, integrated jobs.

A state-mandated, parent-led organization in school districts designed to provide families with a direct voice to school administration regarding policies, programs, and services for students with disabilities.