Definitions and Common Terms
Understanding Common Special Education Terms
The special education process includes many terms that are important for families to understand. Below are definitions based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state regulations to help guide you.
A
Accommodations
Changes in how a student learns. These may involve modified materials, tasks, or assistive technology, but they do not change what the student is expected to learn.
Adult Student
A student who has reached the legal age of majority and makes their own educational decisions.
Adverse Effect
When a student’s disability negatively impacts their educational performance—not just academically, but also socially, emotionally, or behaviorally.
Annual Review
A required yearly review of a student’s IEP to assess progress and update goals.
Assistive Technology (AT) Device
Any item or tool that helps improve a student’s ability to function at school (excluding surgically implanted medical devices).
Assistive Technology Service
Support that helps a student select, obtain, or use an assistive technology device.
B
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
A plan based on a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) that outlines goals, interventions, and strategies to improve student behavior.
Board or Board of Education
In this context, it refers to the Westport Board of Education.
C
Change in Placement
A shift in a student’s educational setting or a significant change in their program, even if the physical location stays the same.
Child/Student
Any individual under 21 years old.
Child Find
A requirement that districts identify and evaluate all students ages birth to 21 who may need special education services.
Child with a Disability
A child eligible for special education due to a qualifying disability or a significant developmental delay.
Consent
Parents must be fully informed and agree in writing before evaluations or services begin. Consent is voluntary and can be withdrawn.
D
Developmental Delay
A notable delay in one or more developmental areas (e.g., physical, cognitive, emotional) in young children.
District or School District
Refers to Westport Public Schools.
E
Education Record
All records with personal student information maintained by the district.
Escort
Physically guiding a student to another location with minimal contact—not to be confused with physical restraint.
Evaluation
The process of gathering data to determine a student’s eligibility and needs for special education.
Evaluation Procedures
The tools and strategies used to collect this information.
Exclusionary Time Out
A monitored break from classroom activity in a non-locked setting for calming or de-escalation.
Expedited Due Process Hearing
A faster legal process to resolve certain disputes related to student discipline.
Extended School Year (ESY)
Special education services provided beyond the regular school year based on student need.
F
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
A federal law protecting the privacy of student education records.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Education that meets state and federal standards, is at no cost to families, and is delivered through an IEP.
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
A process to understand the cause or function
of a student’s behavior that interferes with learning.
H
Homeless Children and Youth
Students who lack a stable, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
I
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
An evaluation completed by someone outside the school district.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A written plan created by the PPT for a student with a disability. It is reviewed at least annually.
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
A plan for infants/toddlers (birth to 3) outlining early intervention services.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The federal law ensuring access to special education and related services for eligible students.
Initial Evaluation
The first formal process to determine eligibility for special education.
Initial Provision of Services
The first time services are offered after eligibility is determined.
Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES)
A temporary placement for serious infractions like weapons or drugs, or when safety is a concern.
L
Language and Communication Plan
Required for students who are deaf or hard of hearing; addresses language use, supports, and emergency procedures.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Students with disabilities must learn alongside non-disabled peers whenever appropriate.
Local Educational Agency (LEA)
In this context, the Westport Public Schools.
M
Manifestation Determination
A meeting to decide if a student’s behavior was a result of their disability or a failure to implement their IEP.
Modifications
Changes to what a student learns (e.g., curriculum content), not just how they learn it.
N
Native Language
The primary language spoken at home. Assessments must be conducted in this language when feasible.
Nonacademic and Extracurricular Services
Includes sports, counseling, clubs, and employment opportunities—these must also be accessible to students with disabilities.
P
Parent(s)
Includes legal guardians, adoptive parents, and other adults responsible for the child’s welfare.
Personally Identifiable Information
Any details that could identify a student (e.g., name, ID number, address).
Physical Restraint
Physically restricting a student’s movement. Should only be used in crisis situations.
Planning and Placement Team (PPT)
The group—including parents—that makes decisions about special education services.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
Strategies to promote good behavior and prevent behavioral issues.
Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)
A detailed description of how a student is currently doing in school.
R
Reevaluation
A periodic review (at least every three years) to assess continued eligibility and service needs.
Related Services
Support services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, transportation, or counseling that help a child benefit from special education.
S
School Day
Any day students are in attendance.
School Year
Runs from July 1 through June 30.
Scientific Research-Based Intervention (SRBI)
A tiered instructional model used to support students and identify those who may need special education.
Seclusion
Involuntary isolation of a student in a room they cannot leave—distinct from time-out.
Services Plan
A plan for services provided to private school students with disabilities.
Special Education
Customized instruction to meet a student’s unique needs—delivered at no cost to families.
Specially Designed Instruction
Adapting content or delivery methods to help a student access learning standards.
Summary of Performance (SOP)
A summary of a student’s achievements and recommendations, provided when they graduate or age out of special education.
Supplementary Aids and Services
Supports provided in regular education settings to help students with disabilities learn alongside peers.
Surrogate Parent
An adult appointed to make educational decisions for a student when no parent is available.
T
Transition Services
A coordinated plan to help students move from school to adult life, including work, college, and independent living.
W
Ward of the State
A student under the legal custody of a public child welfare agency or foster care system.
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