The world of Special Education is filled with acronyms. Teachers and support staff often use these acronyms in discussion, and they can be confusing to keep straight! Here's a round up of some of the frequently used acronyms and what they stand for. Notice something missing that should be included? Please don't hesitate to contact me and I will be sure to get it added to the list! 

 

ABA | Applied Behavioral Analysis

ABC | Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence

ADD/ADHD | Attention Deficit/Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ASD | Autism Spectrum Disorders

AT | Assistive Technology

AYP | Adequate Yearly Progress

BD | Behavioral Disorder

BIP | Behavioral Intervention Plan

CBA | Curriculum Based Assessment

DD | Developmental Delay

EBP | Evidence-based Practice

ED | Emotional Disturbance

​​EI | Early Intervention

ELL | English Language Learner

ESL | English as a Second Language

ESY | Extended School Year

FAPE | Free Appropriate Public Education

FBA | Functional Behavioral Assessment

FERPA | Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

GE | General Education

GT | Gifted and Talented

HI | Hearing Impaired

ID | Intellectual Disabilities

IEP | Individualized Education Program

IFSP | Individualized Family Service Plan

LD | Learning Disability

LEA| Local Educational Agency 

LEP | Limited English Proficiency

LRE | Least Restrictive Environment

OCD | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

ODD | Oppositional Defiant Disorder

OI | Orthopedic Impairment

OT | Occupational Therapy

PALS | Peer-Assisted Learning System

PLAAFP | Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance 

PBS | Positive Behavioral Supports

​​PT | Physical Therapy

RTI | Response to Intervention

SLD | Specific Learning Disability

SLI | Speech/Language Impairment

SLP | Speech/Language Pathologist

SPED | Special Education

TBI | Traumatic Brain Injury

VI | Visual Impairment