RTII

Response to Intervention & Instruction

A model for screening students to identify those who need special education services.

MI

Multiple Intelligences

Nine domains of intelligences that humans can exhibit - Howard Gardner

UDL

Universal Design for Learning

An educational framework based on research.

FAPE

Free Appropriate Public Education

An educational right of children with disabilities in the United States that is guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

CL

Cooperative Learning

An effective instructional method of including kids with developement disabilities.  The class is divided into groups where each student has a role.

DI

Differentiated Instruction

 Involves providing  students with different avenues to acquiring content

IEP

Individualized Education Plan

A written plan designed to meet the special learning needs of each student with disabilities.

LRE

Least Restictive Environment

An instructional setting much like that used for nondisabled peers which also meets the needs of students with disablities. 

MDE

Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Testing used to identify a student and his or her specific needs.

LD

Learning Disabilities

Any of the following: Visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; mental retardation; emotional disturbance; environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage; lack of appropriate instruction in reading.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity.

ODD

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Questions authority, intentional misbehavior, tempermental and negative, blaming others for their actions.

PDE

PA Department of Education

Assists the General Assembly, the Governor, the Secretary of Education and Pennsylvania educators in providing for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of education.

NOREP

Notice of Recommended Educational Placement

The NOREP is the last part of the IEP.  When it is signed, it makes the IEP official for 12 months. When parents sign it, they are agreeing to the placement, the goals and the specially designed instruction that will define their child's special education program.

SDI

Specially Designed Instruction

A requirement under the IDEA. SDI refers to the teaching strategies and methods used by teachers to instruct students with learning disabilities.

SLD

Speech and Language Disorder

(or, Specific Learning Disability)

Disorders that involve unintelligable or unpleasant communication.

LEA

Local Education Agency

An entity which operates local public primary and secondary schools in the United States: e.g., a school distict.