Definitions
What is "special education"?
This is the set of teaching and services that some students receive that is more tailored to their needs instead of learning the same way or same material that most of the class is learning, sometimes the material is presented differently or with extra help or sometimes different topics that are more interesting or easier to understand are used
What is an accommodation?
This is anything that helps us learn better or access information around us such as using headphones, taking breaks, asking someone to read questions out loud, using tools on the computer like text to speech
Myth or fact: You can only have accommodations provided to you in elementary or high school.
Myth, you can actually ask for accommodations in college and even at work.
This just means that your brain works and learns differently than some others.
What does the word "criticism" mean? How is this different from "constructive criticism"?
What someone expresses why they don't like something or points out mistakes. Constructive criticism is when someone gives us feedback so that we can improve and fix things.
What is an IEP?
This stands for "individualized education plan". Most students within special education either have this or a 504 plan. An IEP explains a student’s goals, supports, and services at school.
For example, a student may have 3 services listed on their IEP (math, reading, social skills) as well as accommodations, that are helpful (access to quiet testing area, having a staff read questions out loud, etc.), but others may have 2 or 5 services, every IEP is different.
Who can I ask for information about my IEP and what is on it?
Your case manager or special education teacher.
Myth or fact: Only people with bad grades or those that aren't smart have an IEP.
Myth: An IEP just means you learn differently or need support. Many successful adults had IEPs or needed extra help in school. You can have an IEP and still get good grades. It’s about how you learn, not how “good” you are at school.
What is executive functioning?
These are all of the mental processes that happen in the brain to help us with planning, focus, memory, and multitasking.
What does the word "flexibility" mean when it comes to social interactions?
Flexibility is similar to "going with the flow" and being able to change plans if needed or go with someone else's idea sometimes.
What is a 504 plan?
This is a list of accommodations only, so a list of things that would help a student be more successful learning, like being able to take tests in a different area, having reminders to get started on work, etc. but no special education classes or services with other providers (occupational therapy, speech therapy, DAPE, etc.).
Who else has information about my IEP and what services I receive?
Your special education teachers, classroom teacher or advisor, parents, and therapists on your special education team all know about your IEP and are available to help you if you have questions.
Myth or fact: My IEP is always going to be the same.
Myth: IEPs are updated at least once a year and can change anytime if needed.
What does it mean to be inclusive?
It means that you include and support others rather than judging them in a negative way for their differences and we find ways to include each other.
What does "compromise" mean?
If two people want to do different things, this is when you come up with a plan that works for both of you, for example if you want to play uno and a friend wants to play jenga, maybe you decide to do one today and one tomorrow or play rock paper scissors to decide.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a service that helps students in a lot of areas such as learning regulation skills and strategies, understanding their sensory needs, learning how to write or type better, etc.
Why do I have an IEP?
Student's have IEP's when they need a little bit of extra help in order to be able to learn the information they need to in order to receive credits and graduate, or when they need extra support from different therapists like Occupational therapy, DAPE, or Speech therapy
Myth or fact: My teachers will always remind me what my accommodations are so I don't need to know them.
Myth: Your teachers may have been told what they are but they have many students and may not always remember what they are, for example if you know that you are supposed to get extra time on a test or be allowed to take sensory breaks, you may need to say that to your teacher and remind them when you need them in the moment.
What is DAPE?
DAPE stands for developmental adapted physical education. It's similar to PE or gym but more inclusive for those that can't move their bodies as easily as most people.
What does "self advocacy" mean?
It means letting others know what you need, asking for things that will help you, and standing up for yourself.
What is speech therapy?
Speech therapy is the service that helps kids learn many things too such as how to produce certain speech sounds, how to communicate more fluently, how to better understand vocabulary and other concepts, how to self-advocate and make friends, how to understand social cues and body language, etc.
What does a school social worker do?
They meet with students to help them with personal, social, or family challenges that might affect their learning or well being, they are a great support to help us with our mental health, behavior choices, and friendships or peer interactions at school.
What is a transition plan or transition class?
This is a plan and sometimes a whole class at school that helps us plan for life after high school (job, college, etc.) It can teach you how to apply for a job, interview, pay bills, etc.