Glossary of Terms

Changes in how test is administered that do not substantially alter what the test measures; includes changes in presentation format, response format, test setting or test timing. Appropriate accommodations are also made to level the playing field, i.e., to provide equal opportunity to demonstrate knowledge in the classroom.

All documents relating to your child's general education. It includes Star Testing, report cards, communication between the parents and school. This file resides at your child's school.

Free appropriate public education; special education and related services provided in conformity with an IEP; are without charge, and meets standards of the state department of education.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004

An Individualized Education Plan is a legal document developed by a team including the parents, special education representatives and teachers. Services paid through the district's special education fund.

Requirement to educate special needs children with children who are not disabled to the maximum extent possible.

Practice of placing special needs children in regular classroom for at least a part of the children's educational program.

Substantial changes in what the student is expected to demonstrate; includes changes in instructional level, content, and performance criteria, may include changes in test form or format; includes alternate assessments.

Services that are necessary for child to benefit from special education; includes speech-language pathology and audiology services, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, recreation, counseling, orientation and mobility services, school health services, social work services, parent counseling and training.

Protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination due to disability by recipients of federal financial assistance, ie: public schools. A 504 is a General Education Plan that is a legal document developed by a team including parents and representatives from the student's school, funded through general education.

Specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.

All documents relating to your child's IEP. It includes the IEP's, assessments, communication between the parents and the Districts' Special Education Department. This file resides at your district office.