IDEA Words and Terms to Know - Page 2

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)

A problem-solving process for addressing student problem behavior. FBA relies on a variety of techniques and strategies to identify the reasons for a specific behavior and to help IEP teams select interventions that directly address the problem behavior.

Functional skills

Skills needed for independent living, such as cooking, comparison shopping, working with or managing money, using public transportation, and knowing how to be safe in the community.

General education curriculum

The body of knowledge and range of skills that all students in the state are expected to master.
 

Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES)

A setting other than the student's current placement that enables the student to continue to receive educational services according to his or her IEP. The IAES must enable the student to continue to participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting, and progress toward meeting the goals set out in the IEP. Students in an IAES should also receive, as appropriate, a functional behavioral assessment, behavioral intervention services and modifications that are designed to address the behavior violation so that it does not happen again. The particular IAES is determined by the student's IEP team.
Individualized education program (IEP): A written statement for each child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised according to the requirements of IDEA.

Informed consent: Procedure to ensure that the parent

• Has been fully informed of all information related to the proposed activity (in his native language, or other mode of communication)
• Understands and agrees in writing to carrying out the activity for which his consent is sought
• Understands that giving consent is voluntary and may be revoked at any time
• Understands that revoking consent will not apply to an activity that has already occurred
• Informed consent is required for an evaluation, a reevaluation and for the initial delivery of special education services.

Intervention

A change in instructing the student in the area of learning difficulty to try to improve learning and achieve adequate progress.

Least Restrictive Environment

To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are to be educated with children who are not disabled. Special classes, separate schooling, or other ways of removing children with disabilities from the regular educational environment should only occur when the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes cannot be achieved satisfactorily with the use of supplementary aids and services.

Mediation

A confidential, voluntary process that allows parties to resolve disputes without a formal due process hearing. An impartial mediator helps the parties to express their views and positions and to understand the other's views and positions. The mediator's role is to facilitate discussion and help parties reach an agreement — not to recommend solutions or take positions or sides.

No Child Left Behind

The current version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) — the principal federal law affecting public education from kindergarten through high school in the United States.

Parent

A natural, adoptive or foster parent; an individual acting in the place of a natural or adoptive parent; an individual who is legally responsible for the child; a guardian; or a surrogate parent.

Postsecondary education

Formal education or training beyond high school, including college, university, vocational school and trade school.

Pre-referral interventions

Interventions delivered in the student's regular classroom that attempt to improve learning prior to a referral for formal special education evaluation.

Prior Written Notice

A written notice that the school must provide to the parents of a student with a disability within a reasonable time if they wish to:

• Evaluate the student
• Determine whether the student is eligible for special education services
• Change the student's evaluation or educational placement or educational plan (IEP)
• Refuse the parents' request to evaluate their child or change their child's educational plan (IEP) or placement.

Progress monitoring

A scientifically based practice used to assess students' academic performance and evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Progress monitoring can be implemented with individual students or an entire class.