This page contains definitions of words and acronyms commonly used in relation to Special Education.
A
AAC
See Augmentative and Alternative Communication
ABA
See Applied Behavior Analysis
ADA
See Americans with Disabilities Act
Adapted Physical Education (APE)
A carefully designed physical education instructional program for a student with a disability.
Administrative Review Team (ART)
An administrative team that reviews eligibility for preschool and assigns students to a preschool IEP team.
Adverse Educational Impact
How, and to what extent, the student’s disability affects the student’s involvement and progress in the general education curriculum and/or setting.
Aide
See Paraeducator
AI
See Aversive Intervention
AIP
See Aversive Intervention Plan
ALE
See Alternative Learning Experience
Alternative Learning Experience (ALE)
Alternative Learning Experience occurs in whole or in part independent from the regular classroom setting or schedule.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Law enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990 designed to protect the civil rights of people who have physical and mental disabilities. The ADA mandates changes in the way that both private businesses and the government conduct business to ensure that all Americans have full access to and can fully participate in every aspect of society.
APE
See Adapted Physical Education
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior. Positive reinforcement is one such principle: when a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, it is more likely to be repeated.
ART
See Administrative Review Team
ASD
See Autism Spectrum Disorder
Assignment
The physical location where a student receives special education services.
Assistive Technology
Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.
AT
See Assistive Technology
Audiologist
A health care professional who is trained to evaluate hearing loss and related disorders and to rehabilitate individuals with hearing loss and related disorders.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Refers to communication methods that help or replace speaking or writing for individuals who struggle to produce or comprehend spoken or written language.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
One of the 14 IDEA categories of disability. A developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. Other characteristics often associated with autism are engaging in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences.
Aversive Intervention (AI)
The use of isolation or restraint practices for the purpose of discouraging undesirable student behavior
Aversive intervention plan (AIP)
A plan within a student IEP that describes the systematic use of isolation or restraint for the purpose of discouraging undesirable behavior.
B
BCBA
See Board Certified Behavior Analyst
BEA
See Bilingual Education Act
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
A plan for reducing problem behaviors while increasing desired behaviors.
Behavior Support Team (BeST)
This is a provider in the Puget Sound are. Provides a timely and supportive response to families caring for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities and behavior challenges.
BeST
See Behavior Support Team
Bilingual Education Act (BEA)
Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1968 was the first piece of United States federal legislation that recognized the needs of Limited English Speaking Ability (LESA) students.
Bilingual Instructional Assistant (Bilingual IA)
A school employee who works under the supervision of teachers or other professional practitioners to provide instruction or other direct services to children, youth and their families and is fluent in two languages, also able to provide communication support. See also paraeducator
BIP
See Behavior Intervention Plan
Birth-to-three transition coordinator
The school district personnel responsible for facilitating a student’s transition from early learning.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
A graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals who are certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services.
Bridges
A Seattle Public Schools postsecondary program that supports students with disabilities.
Building administrator
The Seattle Public Schools personnel responsible for administering a specific school building i.e. a principal.
C
CBI
See Community Based Instruction
CCSS
See Common Core State Standards
CDHL
See Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss
Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss (CDHL)
The Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss (CDHL) is established to provide statewide leadership for the coordination and delivery of educational services to children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) serves as a central resource of information and products to the community of Parent Training Information (PTI) Centers and the Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) who educate parents and improve outcomes for children with disabilities. CPIR is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education.
Central Office Compliance Team
An administrative team that reviews IEPs and other documents to ensure compliance with relevant laws and rules.
Central Office Out of District Team (OOD)
An administrative team that handles situations where students with disabilities transfer into Seattle Public Schools.
Child Find
The process used to locate, evaluate and identify youth, age birth to 21, who are in need of special education and related services, regardless of the severity of their disability.
Citizen complaint
A written statement to OSPI alleging that a federal or state special education rule or law has been violated by a school district, another public agency serving special education students, an ESD, or the state.
CLD
See Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
COE
See Collection of Evidence
Collection of Evidence (COE)
An evaluation of a set of work samples prepared by the student with instructional support from a teacher.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
Drafted by experts and teachers from across the United States, they are clear, consistent guidelines for what every student should know and be able to do in math and English language arts from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Community Based Instruction (CBI)
An instructional method for teaching, in real-life settings and under the supervision of educators, the skills that students will need for functional daily living as productive adults.
CPI
See Crisis Prevention and Intervention
CPIR
See Center for Parent Information and Resources
Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI)
Non-violent crisis intervention.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD)
Referring to a group of people who represent multiple cultures and speak various languages.
D
Databased Individualization (DBI)
Process for individualizing and intensifying interventions through the systematic use of assessment data, validated interventions, and research-based adaptation strategies, used with students who have severe and persistent academic and behavioral needs.
DBI
See Databased Individualization
DBT
See Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DD
See Developmentally Delayed
DDA
See Developmental Disabilities Administration
Deaf-Blindness
One of the 14 IDEA categories of disability. Simultaneous hearing and visual impairments, the combination of which causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with deafness or children with blindness.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH)
A category of disability including some degree of hearing loss from mild to hearing loss of such severity that communication and learning is primarily by visual methods. Learn more about DHH in Seattle Public Schools.
Deafness
One of the 13 IDEA categories of disability. A hearing impairment so severe that a child is impaired in processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR provides services to individuals who want to work but need assistance due to a physical, sensory, cognitive or mental disability. A DVR counselor works with each individual one-on-one to design a customized, step-by-step plan to achieve the desired job goal.
Designated Instruction Services (DIS)
Supports provided to students to ensure success in academic and other activities.
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Develops and implements public policies that will promote individual worth, self-respect, and dignity. Supports people to live in the community, provides supports to families.
Developmental Screening
A medical examination used to tell if children are learning basic skills like playing, learning, speaking, behaving, and moving when they should.
Developmental Delay
One of the 14 IDEA categories of disability. A delay in one or more of the following areas: physical development; cognitive development; communication; social or emotional development; or adaptive [behavioral] development.
Developmentally Delayed (DD)
Refers to only to children between the ages of 0 and 8 years old, a condition which represents a significant delay in the process of development. Children often have skill deficits including specific delays in language, perception, meta-cognition, and social, emotional and/or motor development.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
A therapy designed to help people change patterns of behavior that are not helpful, such as self-harm and substance abuse.
DHH
See Deaf and Hard of Hearing
DIS
See Designated Instruction Services
Dual-enrolled students
Students enrolled in both Seattle Public Schools and a private school.
Due process hearing
A formal, legal proceeding conducted by an administrative law judge relating to issues about the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or provision of Free Appropriate Public Education to a student.
E
Early intervention
A system of coordinated services that promotes age-appropriate growth and development and supports families during the early years.
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT)
Early intervention services during the first three years which can make a difference in a child’s life. Learn more about Early Childhood Special Education.
ECC
See Expanded Core Curriculum
Education Service Agency (ESA)
Regional public multi-service agency authorized by State statute to develop, manage, and provide services or programs to local educational agencies. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K-12 education in Washington State.
Educational Service District (ESD)
There are 9 Educational Service Districts in Washington State. They provide essential services for School Districts and communities and help OSPI (the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction) implement legislatively-supported education initiatives.
Educational Staff Associate (ESA)
A certified school counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech language pathologist, or audiologist.
EE
See Emergency Expulsion
ELL
See English Language Learner
Emergency Expulsion (EE)
An “emergency” exists when a student’s continued presence poses such a threat to people or property or so disrupts the education process that they must be expelled before a hearing occurs.
Emergency Response Protocol (ERP)
The Emergency Response Protocol is an addendum to the IEP that documents the advanced planning, conditions, and precautions needed in the case that isolation, restraint, or a restraint device may be used. The form must be signed by a Parent/Guardian, documenting their prior consent. The District must also provide Parents/Guardians with their policy on use of restraint and isolation. ERP’s must be incorporated into a student’s IEP and reviewed annually.
Emotional Disturbance
One of the 14 IDEA categories of disability. A condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child’s educational performance:
- An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.
- An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.
- Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.
- A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression.
- A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.
End of Course [Exam] (EOC)
Exams in math and biology allow students in grades 9-12 to be tested on the knowledge and skills they have gained from taking specific courses.
English Language Learner (ELL)
A student learning English whose primary language is not English.
EOC
See End of Course
ERP
See Emergency Response Protocol
ESA
See Educational Service Agency or Educational Staff Associate
ESD
See Educational Service District
ESIT
See Early Support for Infants and Toddlers
ESY
See Extended School Year
Evaluation
An assessment process used to determine whether a student has a disability.
Evaluation Case Manager
Seattle Public Schools personnel responsible for managing the evaluation process for a student referred for special education services.
Evaluation team
A team of school personnel responsible for evaluating student eligibility for special education services.
Executive Director of Special Education
The administrative head of the Special Education department.
Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)
Skills that students who are blind or visually impaired must learn in order to live and work independently, in addition to the “core” subjects like math, language arts, science, and history. The additional skills include social interaction, independent living, career education, communication modes such as braille.
Extended school year (ESY)
Special education services for students beyond the dates of the normal school year.
F
Family Resource Coordinator (FRC )
A person who assists a family in gaining access to the early intervention services for their eligible child and other resources as identified in the Individual Family Service Plan.
FAPE
See Free and Appropriate Public Education
FBA
See Functional Behavior Assessment
FOIA
See Freedom of Information Act
FRC
See Family Resource Coordinator
Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
The legal right to education for students with disabilities.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
A law that gives you the right to request access to federal agency records or information.
Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
A process that identifies a specific target behavior, the purpose of the behavior, and what factors maintain the behavior that is interfering with the student’s educational progress.
G
General educator
A teacher charged with implementing a school’s core curriculum.
H
HCC
See Highly Capable Cohort
Hearing Impairment (HI)
One of the 14 IDEA categories of disability. An impairment in hearing, whether permanent or fluctuating, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance but that is not included under the definition of deafness.
Highly Capable Cohort (HCC)
Students in Seattle Public Schools must be determined by the Advanced Learning Dept. to be Highly Capable by testing. Once qualified, a Highly Capable eligible student must apply (opt in) for the Highly Capable Cohort (HCC) program. Once assigned to the HCC program they continue on the HCC pathway through 12th grade.
HI
See Hearing Impairment
I
IA
See Instructional Assistant (now called Paraeducator)
IAES
See Interim Alternative Education Setting
ICS
See In Class Support
IDEA
See Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEE
See Independent Educational Evaluation
IEP
See Individualized Education Program
IEP case manager
The Seattle Public Schools personnel responsible for managing the process of developing and implementing and IEP.
IEP meeting
A conference between parents and school officials to develop, review, and revise a student’s IEP.
IEP Online (IEPO)
An online program used to write IEPs and other important special education documents.
IEP team
A team including parents and school officials that develops and monitors an IEP.
IFSP
See Individualized Family Service Plan
IHP
See Individualized Health Plan
In Class Support (ICS)
Support provided inside the general education classroom by a Special Education Teacher.
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
An evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the public agency responsible for the education of the child in question.
Individual transition plan (ITP)
A plan developed as part of a student’s IEP at the age of 15 to develop a course of study and coordinated set of activities for the student that supports achievement of the postsecondary goals.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A legal document that describes a student’s learning needs, the services the school will provide, and how progress will be measured.
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
A plan for special services for young children from birth to three with developmental delays.
Individualized Health Plan (IHP)
A formal, written agreement developed with the interdisciplinary collaboration of the school staff in partnership with the student’s family, the student and the student’s health care provider(s).
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
A plan for special services for young children with developmental delays. It only applies to children birth to three years of age. Once a child turns 3 years old, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is put into place.
Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
A plan for special education students attending private school.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The law that outlines rights and regulations for students with disabilities in the U.S. who require special education.
Instructional Assistant (IA)
See Paraeducator
Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES)
An educational setting or program other than a student’s current placement that allows the student to receive services according to the their IEP.
ISP
See Individualized Service Plan (for private schools)
ITP
See Individual Transition Plan
L
LDA
See Locally Determined Assessment
LEA
See Local Education Agency
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
The legal right of a student who has a disability to be educated with non-disabled peers, to the greatest extent appropriate.
LEP
See Limited English Proficiency
Limited English Proficiency
Refers to a person who is not fluent in the English language often because it is not their native language.
Local Education Agency (LEA)
Seattle Public Schools is a Local Education Agency.
Locally Determined Assessment (LDA)
A test that is an option to students receiving special education services and can be used to meet the assessment requirement in English Language Arts (reading and writing), Mathematics and Science.
LRE
See Least Restrictive Environment
M
Manifestation Determination Review (MDR)
A meeting which must take place within ten days of a behavior infraction that would cause a student to be removed from their current placement in a public school for more than 10 days.
Manifestation Determination Team (MDT)
A team responsible for deciding whether a student’s behavior is the result of their disability or the failure of staff to implement the student’s IEP.
MAT
See Multidisciplinary Action Team
Medical Services
Services used for the purpose of diagnosis.
MD
See Multiple Disabilities
MDR
See Manifestation Determination Review
MDT
See Manifestation Determination Team
MTSS
See Multi-tiered System of Supports
Multidisciplinary Action Team (MAT)
School-based teams responsible for identifying and addressing student concerns at their earliest incidence.
Multiple Disabilities (MD)
One of the 14 IDEA categories of disability. A term for a person with several disabilities, such as a sensory disability associated with a motor disability. The combination of disabilities can cause such severe educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for one of the impairments. Multiple disabilities does not include deaf-blindness.
Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
A whole-school, data-driven, prevention-based framework for improving learning outcomes for every student through a layered continuum of evidence-based practices and systems.
Mutual Exchange Form
See Request of Information
N
NCLB
See No Child Left Behind
NDA
See Notice of Disciplinary Action
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
U.S. Act of Congress which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It was written in 2001. It included Title 1 provisions applying to disadvantaged students.
Non-Public Agency (NPA)
A private school approved by the state board of education or affiliated with a hospital or treatment facility that is eligible to provide special education services for students by contracting with a school district.
Notice of Disciplinary Action (NDA)
A parent/guardian is entitled to verbal and written notice of the proposed disciplinary action in the language spoken by the parent/guardian.
NPA
See Non-Public Agency
O
O & M
See Orientation and Mobility
Occupational therapist (OT)
A health care professional who administers treatment to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of people with a physical, mental, or cognitive disorder.
OCR
See Office of Civil Rights
Office of Civil Rights (OCR)
The Seattle Public Schools Office of Civil Rights is charged with receiving, investigating and resolving student complaints of discrimination.
Office of General Council
The legal department of Seattle Public Schools.
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is part of the U.S. Department of Education. They are dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts.
Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
The division of state government in Washington charged with administering public schools.
OHI
See Other Health Impairment
OI
See Orthopedic Impairment
Orientation and Mobility (O & M)
A significant and immediate consequence of visual impairment is the restriction in one’s ability to travel through physical and social environments and to anticipate and exercise control over potentially hazardous situations.
Orthopedic Impairment (OI)
One of the 14 IDEA categories of disability. A severe orthopedic impairment that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes impairments caused by a congenital anomaly, impairments caused by disease (e.g., poliomyelitis, bone tuberculosis), and impairments from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures or burns that cause contractures).
OSEP
See Office of Special Education Programs
OSPI
See Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
OT
See Occupational Therapist
Other Health Impairment (OHI)
One of the 14 IDEA categories of disability. Having limited strength, vitality, or alertness, including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli, that results in limited alertness with respect to the educational environment, that is due to chronic or acute health problems such as asthma, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, hemophilia, lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, sickle cell anemia, and Tourette syndrome; and adversely affects a child’s educational performance.
P
Paraeducator
A school employee who works under the supervision of teachers or other professional practitioners to provide instruction or other direct services to children and youth and their families. Paraeducators are sometimes referred to as “Instructional Assistants (IAs)”, “Aids”, and “Paraprofessionals”
Paraprofessional
See Paraeducator
Parent-Designated Adult (PDA)
A school district employee selected by a parent--an individual who has executed a caretaker relative educational or medical authorization affidavit who voluntarily agrees to administer a specific medication to a student--for instance a student with diabetes or epilepsy.
Parentally-placed private school students with disabilities
Students with disabilities enrolled who have been enrolled in a private school as the result of their parent or guardian’s choice.
Part C to B transition
The process used to decide whether students who were eligible for special services before age three will be evaluated for special education eligibility after age three.
Part C to B transition conference
A meeting between Seattle Public Schools personnel, parents, and early learning officials to gather information relevant to the evaluation of a 3-year-old student’s eligibility for special education services.
PBIS
See Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
PECS
See Picture Exchange Communication System
PDA
See Parent-Designated Adult
Physical Therapist (PT)
health care professionals who help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
A tool that helps nonverbal children communicate without words.
PLAAFP
See Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance
Placement
A service model option for a student with a disability.
PLOP
See Present Levels of Performance
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
Process for creating school environments that are more predictable and effective for achieving academic and social goals.
Postsecondary transition
The process that supports student preparation for life after high school.
Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)
A statement that gives a snapshot of a student at a particular time and place. It describes the level at which the student is working academically and functionally (the ability to perform routine activities of everyday living). Previously called Present Levels of Performance (PLOP).
Present Levels of Performance (PLOP)
IDEA requires that each IEP must include a statement of the child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance.
Primary Placement
Also referred to as SPS Primary Placement. A term specific to Seattle Public Schools. It defines a student’s special education home base and case manager’s specialty: Resource, Access, Social/Emotional, Focus and Distinct. These defined specialities create predictable pathways for student school assignment and for teacher professional development.
Prior Written Notice (PWN)
Notice provided to parents in writing before students are evaluated for special education services or about important decisions concerning a student’s special education program.
Private school assessment team (PSAT)
Assessment team at your child’s private school that affects your child’s special education program.
Private School referral packet
A collection of documents used to refer students for special education services that is provided to private schools by Seattle Public Schools.
Procedural Safeguards
A written notice of parental rights related to special education processes that must be provided to parents.
Program specialist
In Seattle Public Schools Special Education Program Specialists provide support to school staff and to families. There are two program specialists for each of the District’s 5 regions.
PSAT
See Private School Assessment Team
PT
See Physical Therapist
PWN
See Prior Written Notice
R
Regional Special Education Supervisor
An Seattle Public Schools special education administrator responsible for schools within a defined geographic area.
Related services
Transportation and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a student eligible for special education to benefit from special education.
Request of Information (ROI)
Also known as the Mutual Exchange form. A health form that gives Seattle Public Schools and a health care provider, hospital, or clinic permission to exchange information about a student.
Resolution session
A meeting initiated after a parent files a due process hearing request that is meant to give the district the opportunity to resolve the dispute.
Response to Intervention (RTI)
An approach to academic and behavioral intervention used in the United States to provide early, systemic, and appropriately intensive assistance to children who are at risk for or already underperforming as compared to appropriate grade-or age-level standards.
RISERS or the Riser process
This term is no longer used, but it refers to the process used to determine placement for students who are transitioning from one schooling level to the next i.e. PreK to Kindergarten, elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, high school to transition program. For current information, see Change of School
ROI
See Request of Information, also known as the mutual exchange form.
RTI
See Response to Intervention
S
SBAC
See Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
SBHC
See School Based Health Centers
School Based Health Centers (SBHC)
School Based Health Centers are available at most Seattle Public middle and high schools. They are operated by community health agencies and are typically staffed with coordinators, nurse practitioners, and mental health counselors.
School psychologist
Professionals who apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.
SDI
See Specially Designed Instruction
SEA
See State Education Agency
SEAAC
See Special Education Advisory and Advocacy Council
Secondary transition services
Services to assist students in transitioning successfully to post-secondary life that begin no later than the first IEP in effect at age 16.
Section 504 plan
A legal document that outlines obligated school supports and services needed to address a disability as broadly defined by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Service Plan
A plan that describes the special education services that will be made available for parentally-placed students attending approved, non-profit private schools.
SGD
See Speech Generation Devices
Short Term Suspension (STS)
A denial of attendance for up to and including 10 school days.
SIT
See Student Intervention Team
SLD
See Specific Learning Disability
SLI
See Speech Language Impairment
SLP
See Speech Language Pathologist
Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC)
A standardized test consortium. It creates Common Core State Standards-aligned tests used in some of the US states. It is designed so that any student can participate and demonstrate what they know.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
A federal insurance company that is designed to provide income supplements to people who are physically restricted in their ability to be employed because of a notable disability.
Special Education Advisory and Advocacy Council (SEAAC)
A council of parents, teachers, and community advocates who convene throughout the year to advise on issues related to Special Education.
Special education certificated staff
Teachers certified to teach special education.
Special Education Ombudsperson
Seattle Public Schools personnel who serves as a primary point of contact for parents seeking to provide feedback to the District’s Central Office. Learn more about the role of the Special Education Ombudsperson.
Special Education Parent Teacher Association (PTSA)
An independent body and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission of assisting families of students with disabilities as they navigate the educational system, to partner with parents and educators, advocating for improvements in special education service delivery, and building bridges between the general and special education communities by bringing increased educational resources and opportunities for all students.
Special Education Task Force
A time-limited group of parents, educators, and district leaders working to propose a model for achieving a continuum of services for students with disabilities in Seattle Public Schools.
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)
Teaching strategies and methods used by teachers to instruct students with learning disabilities and other types of learning disorders.
Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
One of the 13 IDEA categories of disability. A disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.
Speech Generation Devices (SGD)
Also known as voice output communication aids, are electronic augmentative and alternative communication systems used to supplement or replace speech or writing for individuals with sever speech impairments, enabling them to verbally communicate their needs.
Speech Language Impairment (SLI)
One of the 13 IDEA categories of disability. A communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.
Speech language pathologist (SLP)
A professional who evaluates and treats children and adults who have difficulty with speech or language.
SS
See Study Skills
SSDI
See Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI
See Supplemental Security Income
State Education Agency (SEA)
A formal government label for the state-level government agencies within each U.S. State responsible for providing information, resources, and technical assistance on educational matters to schools and residents.
State-Administered Parent Involvement Survey
A survey of parent involvement administered by OSPI that is part of the State Performance Plans require by IDEA.
STS
See Short Term Suspension
Student intervention teams (SIT)
A team process that consists of consultation and problem solving which focuses on the needs of an individual student who has not previously responded to intervention.
Study Skills (SS)
Approaches to applied learning. They are critical to success in school, considered essential for acquiring good grades, and useful for learning throughout one’s life.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
A U.S. government program that provides stipends to low-income people who are either aged (65 or older), blind, or disabled.
Supplementary aids and services
Supports that are provided in general education classes or other education-related settings to enable the student to benefit from their educational setting.
T
TAT
See Teacher Assistance Team
TBI
See Traumatic Brain Injury
Teacher Assistance Team (TAT)
Provides support and assistance to the teacher and principal so that instruction can be improved.
Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TVI)
A professional who has expertise in how visual impairment affects a student’s development and learning, as well as the strategies and tools that can help students learn about the world, perform everyday activities, and participate in the general curriculum and other activities in school.
Temporary Alternative Placements for Evaluative Purposes
An interim placement that assists in determining an appropriate ongoing placement for the student.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
One of the 14 IDEA categories of disability. An acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, resulting in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment, or both, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.
TVI
See Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired
V
VI
See Visual Impairment
Visual Impairment (VI)
One of the 14 IDEA categories of disability. An impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness.
W
WAC
See Washington Administrative Code
Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
The regulations of executive branch agencies which are a source of special education law.