Acronyms

Acronyms in education have developed over time as a shared vocabulary designed to speed communication. Occasionally this jargon will slip into our conversations with parents and students; this list is not exhaustive but should be helpful for parents and caregivers.

Acronym Description

AAC

Augmentative alternative communication

ADD

Attention deficit disorder

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder

AODA

Alcohol and other drug abuse

AT

Assistive technology

BIP

Behavior intervention plan

DHH

Deaf and hard of hearing

EA

Educational audiologist

EBD

Emotional behavioral disability

ECSE

Early childhood special education

EIP

Early intervention program (birth-3 services provided by county)

ESY

Extended school year

FAPE

Free appropriate public education

FBA

Functional behavioral assessment

HI

Hearing impairment

ID

Intellectual disability

IDEA

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

IEP

Individualized education program

LEA

Local education agency (Appleton Area School District)

LRE

Least restrictive environment

OHI

Other health impairment

OI

Orthopedic impairment

O&M

Orientation and mobility

OT

Occupational therapy

PBIS

Positive behavioral interventions and supports

PT

Physical therapy

PLEP

Present level of educational performance

RtI

Response to intervention, or response to instruction

SAP

School-age parent

SDD

Significant developmental delay

SEA

State education agency (WI Department of Public Instruction)

SL

Speech & language

SLD

Specific learning disability

SLP

Speech & language pathologist (therapist)

SPE

Special (adaptive) physical education

SW

Social worker

SwD

Student with a disability

TBI

Traumatic brain injury

VI

Vision impairment

WAA

Wisconsin Alternate Assessment (part of WSAS)

WKCE

Wisconsin Knowledge & Concepts Exams (part of WSAS)

WSAS

Wisconsin Student Assessment System