Getting Started
Understanding Common IEP Acronyms
The alphabet soup, translated — and how to ask for a translation in the room.
5 min read · Updated 2026-09-09 · Last reviewed: not yet reviewed
Why the acronyms matter
School teams use shorthand daily and often forget that it is shorthand. Not knowing an acronym is not a knowledge gap on your part; it is a communication habit on theirs.
The most useful sentence in any meeting is: 'Can you say that one without the initials?'
The ones you will hear most
- IEP — Individualized Education Program
- IDEA — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- FAPE — Free Appropriate Public Education
- LRE — Least Restrictive Environment
- PLAAFP — Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance
- PWN — Prior Written Notice
- IEE — Independent Educational Evaluation
- ESY — Extended School Year
- FBA — Functional Behavior Assessment
- BIP — Behavior Intervention Plan
- RTI / MTSS — Response to Intervention / Multi-Tiered System of Supports
- OT / PT / SLP — Occupational Therapy / Physical Therapy / Speech-Language Pathologist
A note on definitions
Several of these terms have specific legal meanings defined in federal law and regulation. The summaries here and in our glossary are plain-language overviews rather than legal definitions — for the precise language, the U.S. Department of Education is the authoritative source.
Common questions
- Is there a full glossary on this site?
- Yes. The searchable glossary covers these terms and more, with space for authoritative source links.
- What if my district uses acronyms I cannot find anywhere?
- Many districts use local shorthand for their own programs or forms. Ask directly — local terms are not standardized and there is no reason you would know them.
Sources and review
Last reviewed: Not yet reviewed. This page is general educational information and is awaiting a factual review against the sources below. Treat specific procedures, timelines and requirements as things to confirm with your school or state education agency.
Sources
Important note
This site provides educational information, organizational tools and printable resources. It is not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, any school district, government agency, attorney, law firm or advocacy organization. For advice about your specific situation, consider consulting a qualified professional.