Just when you thought you understood the world of special education, you hear a new acronym or term that has you looking through different books or websites. Sound familiar? No worries! Special Education Support Services (SESS) Consultant and Trainer Renae Forchione is the narrator for this month’s video and breaks down the key special education terms parents need to know and how they relate to the special education system.
Start with A
In Texas, the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee is the team that determines eligibility for special education and services. This committee also develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for eligible students and then meets with families at least annually to re-evaluate and update the IEP.
As you can imagine, there are a lot of terms discussed in the meetings. Renae, a former teacher, knows how overwhelming it all can be. “When I was in the classroom, parents frequently voiced concern about communicating with school personnel about their child’s IEP,” she advised. “At Brighton, the SESS team is always available to help parents prepare for ARD meetings, review their child’s IEP, and help them have a game plan for what they hope to achieve during the meeting. Part of that preparation is making sure parents understand the terminology involved in the special education world,” she continued.
Know the PLAAFP
One of the longer acronyms in the special education world is PLAAFP. It stands for the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), which includes information on all areas affected by a student’s disability and how the disability impacts the student’s progress within the general education curriculum. Renae said, “Basically if something isn’t specified in the PLAAFP, the school won’t provide it.”
Aim for Positive Outcomes
The goal is to ensure your child receives the support and services needed in the school system. In the video, Renae reminds families about obtaining a copy of procedural safeguards. This is a handbook explaining a parent’s rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Brighton’s Special Education Support Services team helps parents of children ages 3 – 8 understand and access special education and support services for their child within the public school system. If you want to learn more about Brighton’s special education services, fill out this form to schedule a free consultation today.
