Understanding the Vocabulary

One of the hardest things to dig through in special education is the language. What does IEP stand for? What is FAPE? Here are some important definitions I've found.

IEP: Individualized Education Program; written document that lays out the child's individual goals and how the child will be supported to achieve those goals (such as special services)

FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education; all children (regardless of disability) are entitled to a free public education that meets their needs

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; federal special education law

LRE: Least Restrictive Environment; written within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), requires that students are educated in an environment with their peers whenever possible

NCLB: No Child Left Behind; Bush era law and policy of education reform

Please share with us other confusing language you have found in the special education process.