IEP Jargon Buster
Plain Language Explanations for Common Terms
If you’ve ever sat in an IEP meeting and felt like everyone else was speaking a different language, you’re not alone. The world of special education is filled with acronyms, technical terms, and legal language that can leave even the most prepared parents feeling overwhelmed and left out of the conversation.
At Education Advocates of America, we believe that every parent deserves to understand what’s being discussed about their child. When you know the language, you can participate more confidently, ask better questions, and make sure your child’s needs are truly being met.
That’s why we’ve created this IEP Jargon Buster—a plain-language guide to the most common (and confusing) terms you’ll hear in IEP meetings, along with real-world examples to help you make sense of it all.
The Most Common IEP Acronyms and What They Really Mean
IEP – Individualized Education Program
What it means: A written plan developed for a student with a disability that outlines their learning goals, the services they’ll receive, and how progress will be measured.
Example: “Your child’s IEP will include specific reading goals and weekly speech therapy sessions.”
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
What it means: The federal law that guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
Example: “Under IDEA, your child is entitled to special education services tailored to their needs.”
FAPE – Free Appropriate Public Education
What it means: The right of every child with a disability to receive an education at no cost to the family, designed to meet their unique needs.
Example: “FAPE means your child should get the support they need to make progress in school, without you having to pay for it.”
LRE – Least Restrictive Environment
What it means: Students with disabilities should learn alongside their non-disabled peers as much as possible.
Example: “LRE might mean your child spends most of the day in a general education classroom, with extra help as needed.”
504 Plan
What it means: A plan for students with disabilities who don’t need special education but do need accommodations (like extra time on tests or preferential seating).
Example: “A 504 Plan could allow your child to take breaks during class if they have anxiety.”
PLOP – Present Level of Performance
What it means: A summary of your child’s current abilities, strengths, and challenges. This section of the IEP helps set the starting point for goals
Example: “The PLOP shows your child is reading at a second-grade level and needs support with comprehension.”
BIP – Behavior Intervention Plan
What it means: A plan included in the IEP for students who have behavior challenges. It outlines strategies and supports to help improve behavior.
Example: “A BIP might include scheduled breaks and a reward system for staying on task.”
ESY – Extended School Year
What it means: Special education services provided during school breaks (like summer) for students who need extra help to maintain their skills.
Example: “If your child loses skills over the summer, ESY services can help prevent regression.”
SST – Student Support Team
What it means: A group of educators who meet to discuss and plan interventions for students who are struggling, before or during the IEP process.
Example: “The SST met to brainstorm strategies before referring your child for special education testing.”
Related Services
What it means: Extra support services that help a child benefit from special education, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling.
Example: “Related services in your child’s IEP might include weekly sessions with a speech-language pathologist.”
Accommodations vs. Modifications
Accommodations: Changes in how a student learns the material (like extra time on tests), without changing what they’re expected to learn.
Modifications: Changes in what a student is expected to learn (like a shorter assignment or different grading standards).
Example: “An accommodation might be using a calculator on math tests. A modification might be doing fewer math problems than the rest of the class.”
Annual Goals
What it means: Specific, measurable skills your child is expected to achieve in a year.
Example: “An annual goal could be: ‘By next June, Sam will read 100 words per minute with 95% accuracy.’”
Progress Monitoring
What it means: Regularly checking to see if your child is making progress toward their IEP goals.
Example: “The teacher will track your child’s reading fluency every month and share updates with you.”
Transition Plan
What it means: A section of the IEP for students age 16 and older (sometimes younger), outlining goals and services to help them move from school to adulthood (college, work, independent living).
Example: “The transition plan might include job training or help applying to college.”
Prior Written Notice (PWN)
What it means: A written explanation from the school whenever they propose or refuse to change your child’s IEP or placement.
Example: “If you request more speech therapy and the school says no, they must give you a PWN explaining why.”
Consent
What it means: Your written permission for the school to evaluate your child or provide special education services.
Example: “The school needs your consent before starting any new assessments.”
IEP Team
What it means: The group of people who develop and review your child’s IEP. This includes you (the parent), teachers, specialists, and sometimes your child.
Example: “You are a full member of the IEP team and have a say in every decision.”
Mainstreaming / Inclusion
What it means: Placing students with disabilities in general education classrooms as much as possible.
Example: “Inclusion means your child attends art and music with their peers, with support if needed.”
Pull-Out Services
What it means: When a student leaves the general classroom for part of the day to receive specialized instruction.
Example: “Your child might have pull-out reading support for 30 minutes each day.”
Due Process
What it means: A formal way to resolve disagreements between parents and schools about special education.
Example: “If you and the school can’t agree on services, you can request a due process hearing.”
Tips for Navigating IEP Jargon
Ask for Clarification: Never hesitate to ask the team to explain a term or acronym in plain language.
Take Notes: Write down unfamiliar words during meetings and ask about them later if you need to.
Bring a Glossary: Print out this guide and bring it to your next meeting.
Remember Your Rights: You have the right to understand every part of your child’s IEP.
You Don’t Have to Speak “IEP” to Be Heard
It’s easy to feel lost in the sea of acronyms and technical terms, but remember: you are the expert on your child, and your questions are always valid. The more you understand the language of special education, the more confidently you can advocate for your child’s needs.
At Education Advocates of America, we’re here to help you cut through the jargon, understand your options, and make sure your child gets the support they deserve.
Need help preparing for your next IEP meeting? Book a free consultation today.
