Special Education Acronyms

Navigating the world of special education can sometimes feel like learning a whole new language. Between the legal terms and abbreviations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of acronyms. We created this quick reference guide to help break down barriers and ensure you feel confident and informed in every conversation about your child’s education.

- - AAC – Augmentative/Alternative Communication
  - ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis
  - AT – Assistive Technology

- - BSE – Bureau of Special Education
  - CTC – Career and Technical Center
  - EBR – Educational Benefit Review
  - EI – Early Intervention
  - ELL – English Language Learners
  - ER – Evaluation Report
  - ESY – Extended School Year
  - FAPE – Free and Appropriate Public Education
  - FBA – Functional Behavior Assessment
  - FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
  - IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
  - IEE – Independent Educational Evaluation
  - IEP – Individualized Education Program
  - IU – Intermediate Unit
  - LEA – Local Educational Agency
  - LRE – Least Restrictive Environment
  - LTF – Local Task Force
  - MA – Medical Assistance
  - MDE – Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation
  - MTSS – Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
  - NOREP – Notice of Recommended Educational Placement
  - ODR – Office for Dispute Resolution
  - OSEP – Office of Special Education Programs
  - OVR – Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
  - PASA – Pennsylvania Alternative System of Assessment
  - PaTTAN – Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network
  - PBIS – Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
  - PBSP – Positive Behavior Support Plan
  - PDE – Pennsylvania Department of Education
  - PSN – Procedural Safeguards Notice
  - PWN – Prior Written Notice
  - RR – Re-Evaluation Report
  - SDI – Specially Designed Instruction