Special Education: So Much to Know
Do you have a son or daughter who has been identified, or you think should be evaluated by your local school district, as a child with a disability as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act? This law, commonly referred to as IDEA, provides the basis for special education services in Missouri.
The major purpose of the IDEA is to provide children with disabilities the supports and services they need to learn and make progress in their education. It requires that each child receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). As the parent of a youth with a disability, you will participate in many meetings, working with school personnel in planning the special educational services and supports that your child needs. It is important that you understand your child’s rights under IDEA. The Parent’s Guide is written to assist you in understanding some of the most important aspects of special education. It was written by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Special Education. This Parent’s Guide to Special Education in Missouri is free and may be ordered on line at:
Below is a list of commonly used acronyms for education:
|
ADD
ADHD
BD
BIP
ED
CA
CWC
ESY or ESYP
IDEA
IEP
IQ
ISP
ITP
LD or SLD
LEA
LRE
MAP
MPACT
MR
MSIP
OT
PT
RAD
|
Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Behavior disorder
Behavior Intervention Plan
Emotional disturbance
Chronological age
Class within a Class
Extended School Year programs for students with disabilities
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Individual Education Plan
Intelligence Quotient
Individual Service Plan
Individual Treatment Plan
Specific Learning Disability
Local Education Agency
Least restrictive Environment
Missouri Assessment Program
Missouri Parents Alliance for Cooperative Training
Mentally Retarded
Missouri School Improvement Plan
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Reactive Attachment Disorder
|
If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Lewis, Director of Educational Advocacy, at 800.FOSTER.3 (314.367.8373) x37. Or for children located within St. Louis City, contact Dell Vinson, Director of Educational Advocacy - City of St. Louis, at 314.552.2427.