Special Education Definitions

This is the teacher responsible for the instruction being given to the class/student although others may assist or do parts of the teaching. For example, even though a student teacher may teach in the class for part of the day, the classroom teacher remains the teacher of record. The teacher of record is responsible for ensuring the required subject matter is taught and the student’s grades are recorded and reported.

Adapting the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to address the unique needs of a child with a disability and ensure the child has access to the general curriculum, so that he or she can meet the educational standards that apply to all children.

Occupational Therapy (OT) services in schools are provided by a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant to help students participate more fully in their educational program. School-based OT focuses on functional skills needed for learning and school participation, such as fine motor skills, handwriting, self-care, sensory processing, and use of classroom materials and tools. Services are designed to support a student’s ability to access their education, participate in school routines, and achieve their IEP goals. In the public school setting, occupational therapy is provided when it is determined to be necessary for the student to benefit from special education and make progress in their educational program.

Related services are supports and services that a student with a disability may need in order to benefit from special education and participate in their educational program. These services are provided as part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) when determined necessary by the IEP team. Related services may include, but are not limited to, transportation; speech-language therapy; audiology services; psychological services; physical and occupational therapy; counseling services; school health and nursing services; social work services; orientation and mobility services; and assistive technology supports. The IEP team may also identify other services needed to support the student’s access, participation, and progress in school.

The school boundaries in which a child resides.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a key principle of special education that ensures students with disabilities learn alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 34 CFR 300.550, states: “Each public agency shall ensure that to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities. . . are educated with children who are non-disabled and that special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan developed for students who qualify for special education services. The IEP outlines a student’s unique learning needs, educational goals, accommodations, supports, and services to help them succeed in school. The plan is created collaboratively by educators, specialists, and parents or guardians, and is reviewed regularly to monitor progress and make updates as needed.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education. IDEA provides guidelines for special education services, supports, and protections to help students meet their individual learning needs and succeed in school.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. In schools, the ADA helps ensure students, staff, and community members have equal access to programs, services, activities, and facilities.

Accommodations are supports or adjustments provided to help students access learning without changing the content standards being taught. Examples may include extended time, preferential seating, assistive technology, or changes in how instruction or responses are delivered to support individual student needs.