Acronyms Frequently Used in Special Education

Note: This list does not reflect ALL special education acronyms. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to ask for clarification if an unknown acronym or term is used during an IEP meeting.

AAC - Augmentative Alternative Communication

ABA - Applied Behavioral Analysis
APE - Adapted Physical Education
AT - Assistive Technology
BCBA - Board Certified Behavioral Analyst
BER - Behavior Emergency Report
BIP - Behavior Intervention Plan

BSP - Behavior Support Plan
CAC - Community Advisory Committee
CBI - Community Based Instruction
CDE - California Department of Education
DHH - Deaf/Hard of Hearing
ED - Emotional Disturbance
EL - English Learner
ERICS - Educationally Related Intensive Counseling Services
ESY - Extended School Year
FAPE - Free and Appropriate Public Education
FBA - Functional Behavioral Assessment
FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
ID - Intellectual Disability
IDEA - Individualized with Disabilities Education Act
IEE - Independent Educational Evaluation
IEP - Individualized Educational Program
IFSP - Individual Family Service Plan

ITP - Individual Transition Plan
LEA - Local Educational Agency
LRE - Least Restrictive Environment
NPS/NPA - Non-Public Schools/Non-Public Agencies
OAH - Office of Administrative Hearings
OCR - Office of Civil Rights
OHI - Other Health Impairment
OI - Orthopedic Impairment
O&M - Orientation and Mobility
OT - Occupational Therapy
PBIS - Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports
PT - Physical Therapy
PWN - Prior Written Notice
RSP - Resource Specialist Program
RtI - Response to Instruction and Intervention
SAI - Specialized Academic Instruction
SCIA - Special Circumstance Instructional Assessment
SDC - Special Day Class
SELPA - Special Education Local Plan Area
SLD - Specific Learning Disability
SLI - Speech/Language Impairment
SLP - Speech/Language Pathologist
SST - Student Study Team
TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury
VI - Visual Impairment