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National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDE) – Organization of State special education directors who are committed to a standards-based education system responsive to the needs of all children, especially those with disabilities. http://www.nasdse.org/
National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems (NCCRES) – Funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), NCCRES provides technical assistance and professional development to close the achievement gap between students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and their peers, and to reduce inappropriate referrals to special education. http://www.nccrest.org/
National Center for Health Statistics – Federal agency responsible for the collection and dissemination of the Nation's vital and health statistics. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs
National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) – Provides national leadership in the participation of students with disabilities in national and state assessments, standards-setting efforts, and graduation requirements. http://www.education.umn.edu/NCEO
National Center Special Ed. Accountability Monitoring (NCSEAM) – Also known as the National Monitoring Center, NCSEAM is federally funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) of the U.S. Department of Education to assist states, local agencies, and OSEP in the implementation of focused monitoring and evidenced-based decision-making about compliance with federal law so that improved results are achieved for children with disabilities and their families. http://www.monitoringcenter.lsuhsc.edu/
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)– A bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues, including education. http://www.ncsl.org/
National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) – The National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities (NDPC-SD) supports the national implementation of provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide successful school outcomes for students with disabilities. The National Dropout Prevention Center/Network (NDPC/N) serves as a clearinghouse on issues related to dropout prevention and to offer strategies designed to increase the graduation rate in America’s schools. http://www.dropoutprevention.org
National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) – Supports the implementation of the early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Its mission is to strengthen service systems to ensure that children with disabilities (birth through five) and their families receive and benefit from high quality, culturally appropriate, and family-centered supports and services. http://www.nectac.org/
National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study – A longitudinal study that is following more than 3,338 children with disabilities or at risk for disabilities and their families through their experiences in early intervention and into early elementary school. The study will provide information about the characteristics of children and families, the services they receive, and the outcomes they experience. http://www.sri.com/neilsNo Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) – A bipartisan landmark education reform law designed to hold schools accountable for the performance of students who are struggling to learn. It is built on four principles:
1. Increase accountability for student performance.
2. Focus on what works based on scientific research.
3. Empower parents and expand parental involvement.
4. Increase local control and flexibility.Non-categorical Early Childhood – A student between the ages of 3-5 who is evaluated as having mental retardation, emotional disturbance, a specific learning disability, or autism.
Notice – The school must let parents know in writing, within a reasonable time, about actions or
proposed actions being considered related to the special education program of a student with a
disability. Texas defines reasonable time as five (5) school days.Notice of Proposed Rule Making – The U.S. Department of Education has published regulations to implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). The official version of this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) is published in the Federal Register.
Office of the Chief Information Officer, US Dept. of Education – Provides technical solutions to assist the Secretary of Education and other senior officers in acquiring information technology (IT) and managing information resources. OCIO supports DOE compliance with the applicable federal laws and regulations, including Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to ensure the accessibility of programs and activities to individuals with disabilities, specifically its obligation to acquire accessible electronic and information technology. http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocio/ocio.html
Office of Civil Rights (OCR) – The federal agency that enforces Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. OCR looks into complaints about discrimination based on disability.
Office of the Inspector General, US Dept. of Education – Conducts independent and objective audits, investigations, inspections, and other activities in order to promote the efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of the Department’s programs and operations. http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/index.html
Office of Management & Budget – Assists the President in overseeing the preparation of the federal budget and supervises its administration in Executive Branch agencies. http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education (OSEP) – Provides leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts in improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) authorizes formula grants to states, and discretionary grants to institutions of higher education and other non-profit organizations to support research, demonstrations, technical assistance and dissemination, technology and personnel development and parent-training and information centers. http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html
Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) – Branch of the U.S. Department of Education committed to improving results and outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages. In supporting President Bush’s No Child Left Behind agenda and the New Freedom Initiative, OSERS provides a wide array of supports to parents and individuals, school districts and states in three main areas: special education, vocational rehabilitation and research. http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html?src=mr
Orthopedic Impairment (OI)– A severe orthopedic impairment that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term includes impairments caused by congenital anomaly (e.g., club foot, absence of some member, etc.), impairments caused by disease (poliomyelitis, bone tuberculosis, etc), and impairments from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy, amputations and fractures or burns that cause contractures).
Other Health Impairment (OHI) – Under IDEA, OHI is defined as “having limited strength, vitality or alertness, including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli, that results in limited alertness with respect to the educational environment, that:
- Is due to chronic or acute health problems such as asthma, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, hemophilia, lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis, rheumatic fever, and sickle cell anemia; and
- Adversely affects a child's educational performance.”
Open Records Request – a request for public information contained in the files or records of a Texas governmental agency.
Paraeducator – A school employee who works under the supervision of a certificated and/or licensed staff member to support and assist in providing instructional and other direct services to children, youth, and families. The certificated and/or licensed staff member remains responsible for the conduct and management of the classroom or program, including design, implementation, and evaluation of the instructional programs and student progress
Parent – A natural, adoptive or foster parent; an individual acting in the place of a natural or adoptive parent; an individual who is legally responsible for the child; a guardian; or a surrogate parent.
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)– National center dedicated to expanding opportunities and enhancing the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. Based on the concept of parents helping parents, PACER provides assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals, and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for all children. http://www.pacer.org/
Parent/Guardian – Texas law defines “parent” as a person standing in parental relation. The term does not include a person to whom the parent-child relationship has been terminated or a person not entitled to possession of or access to a child under a court order (TEC § 26.002). Under federal law, a “parent” is a natural parent, a guardian, or an individual acting as a parent of a child, or a surrogate parent who has been appointed (34 CFR 300.515). Federal Special Education provisions defining parents includes persons acting in the place of a parent, such as a grandparent, a stepparent with whom a child lives, and persons who are legally responsible for a child’s welfare (34 CFR 300.20). In Texas, “parent” means a natural or adoptive parent or guardian, surrogate parent, or someone who is legally responsible for the student.Parent Information Line – 1-800-252-9668 – Toll-free message line reserved for parents and other family members who have questions about student rights and regulatory requirements as they relate to special education complaint investigations, mediations, and due process hearings.
Parent Training and Information Centers – Nonprofit organizations funded by OSEP to carry out programs to ensure that parents of children with disabilities receive training and information to help improve results for their children.
Performance-Based Monitoring (PBM) – An automated data system that reports annually on the performance of Texas school districts and charter schools in selected program areas (bilingual education/English as a second language, career and technology education, special education, and certain Title programs under the No Child Left Behind Act).
Placement – The educational setting where the identified special education, related services, and educational program needs of the student with a disability are provided.
Portfolio – See Student Introduction Portfolio.
Positive Behavior Support (PBS) – A means for (1) determining why a person with a disability engages in behavior that impedes quality of life, independence, inclusion, and productivity and then (2) providing supports, in all aspects of the person’s life, that prevent, modify, or reduce the impeding behaviors and that are socially acceptable and not harmful or demeaning.
Postsecondary Education– Formal education or training beyond high school, including colleges, universities, vocational schools and trade schools.
Pre-referral Interventions – Interventions delivered in the student’s regular classroom that attempt to improve learning prior to a referral for formal special education evaluation.
Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) – Offers a continuum of services to preschool children ages 3-5, identified through the Admission, Review, and Dismissal committee process. The program offers a free appropriate education to children identified with a disability, beginning on their third birthday. http://www.esc17.net/default.aspx?name=sped.preschool
Present Levels of Performance (PLOP) – Description of what skills the student is able to demonstrate in all academic areas. This description addresses specific competencies in developmental, behavioral, and/or academic skills.
Prevention – To study problems of juvenile delinquency, focus public attention on special solutions for problems, and assist in developing, strengthening, and coordinating programs aimed at preventing delinquency (Human Resources Code, Section 61.031, 61.036 and 61.081 ©).
Prior Written Notice – A written notice that the school must provide to the parents of a student with a disability within a reasonable time if they wish to:
• Evaluate the student
• Determine whether the student is eligible for special education services
• Change the student’s evaluation or educational placement or educational plan (IEP)
• Refuse the parents’ request to evaluate their child or change their child’s educational plan (IEP) or placement.Procedural Safeguards – A document that explains your legal rights under state law and the IDEA to be involved in and make decisions about your child’s education. The document is often referred to as the “Notice of Procedural Safeguards” or “Procedural Safeguards Notice,” because its purpose is to notify you of your legal rights. The Procedural Safeguards must be provided to you, at a minimum, when your child is initially referred for evaluation, each time you are notified of an ARD committee meeting, when your child is to be reevaluated, and any time you file a request for a due process hearing.
Productivity – To habilitate youth committed to the agency to become productive and responsible citizens who are prepared for honorable employment through ongoing education and workforce development programs (Human Resources Code, Section 61.034(b) and 61.076(a)(1)).
Progress Monitoring – A scientifically based practice used to assess students’ academic performance and evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Progress monitoring can be implemented with individual students or an entire class.
Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) – The PAIR program supports the protection and advocacy system in each state to protect the legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities. Funded by OSP, each PAIR program must set annual priorities and objectives to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in each state. Most PAIR programs set priorities and objectives aimed at reducing barriers to education, employment, transportation, and housing. In addition, PAIR programs advocate on behalf of individuals with significant disabilities to promote community integration and full participation in society. The Protection and Advocacy organization in Texas is Advocacy, Inc.
Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) – Data collection system that encompasses all data requested and received by TEA about public education, including student demographic and academic performance, personnel, financial, and organizational information. In compliance with the Texas Education Code, PEIMS contains only the data necessary for the legislature and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to perform their legally authorized functions in overseeing public education. It does not contain any information relating to instructional method, except as required by federal law. http://www.tea.state.tx.us/peims/
Re-evaluation – An evaluation that must be considered every three years, or more if needed, to determine continued eligibility for special education services.
Referral – If a disability is suspected, the process of requesting that a student be evaluated for eligibility to receive special education and related services. Any concerned person may refer a student, including teachers, principals, parents, other agency personnel, or the student.
Rehabilitation – To rehabilitate youth committed to the agency and re-establish them in society through a competency-based program of Re-socialization (Human Resources Code, Section 61.002, 61.047, 61.071, 61.072, 61.076(a)(1)(2) and 61.0761).
Related Services – Support services needed by a student in order to benefit from special education services. Related services may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, orientation and mobility training, travel training, and more.Resolution Session – A mandatory meeting that the school district must convene within 15 days of receiving the parents’ due process complaint. The resolution session includes parents, members of the IEP team relevant to the complaint, and a representative of the school district who has decision-making authority.
Response-to-Intervention (RtI)– A comprehensive, multi-step process that closely monitors how the student is responding to different types of services and instruction.A to D • E to M • N to R • S to Z
Texas Project FIRST is an activity of the Texas Continuing Improvement Process (TCIP) under the auspices of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Region 9 Education Service Center, and is focused on helping to fulfill the goals of TEA and the Parent Training Committee
TEA Parent Information Line 1-800-252-9668Texas Project FIRST - A project of Family To Family Network - Contact Web Administrator