Understanding Education-Related Terms

Schools often use confusing words and acronyms. This page explains some of the most common terms in plain language so that you can better understand your child’s rights and advocate for them.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): a federal law specific to the education of students with disabilities.
Individualized Education Program (IEP): a written plan that explains what supports and services a student with a disability will get at school.
Specialized Instruction: Teaching that is designed to help a student in a way that meets their specific needs.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: a federal civil rights law that protects all people with a qualifying disability from discrimination based on their disability.
504 Plan: a written plan that explains what accommodations a student with a disability will get at school.
Accommodation: Changes that need to be made so that people with disabilities can access certain school activities.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): means your child has the right to go to school for free and get the support and services they need to learn and make progress.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): means your child should learn in regular classrooms with their peers as much as possible, with supports, unless they truly need a more separate setting.
Extended School Year (ESY): Refers to supports and services that are provided outside of the usual school day (after school. during school breaks etc.).
Limited English Proficient (LEP): refers to a student who is still learning English and may need support to fully participate in school.
Informal Removal: An action taken by the school that excludes a student for part or all of the school day, or even indefinitley, outside of the IEP process.
Home-based instruction: When services are provided in the home – among the most restrictive placements on the continuum of educational environments.
Manifestation Determination Review (MDR): a critically important meeting to discuss whether your child’s behavior was the result of or caused by their disability.
Appeal: ask that a decision be reviewed because you don’t agree with it.
Due Process: a formal way to challenge a school’s decision and have a fair hearing to resolve the disagreement.

Related Information From Disability Rights Center-NH

Posted in: Education, Justice in School DisciplineTagged in: Education, flyer, Justice in School DisciplinePosted on March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

Filing a Complaint with the NH Department of Education (NHDOE)

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            [resource] => U.S. Department of Education’s guidance on disciplining students with disabilities (PDF)

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        (
            [resource] => U.S. Department of Education’s 2016 Dear Colleague Letter.

        )

    [2] => Array
        (
            [resource] => Parent Information Center of New Hampsphire

        )

    [3] => Array
        (
            [resource] => NH DOE has a slide deck that provides additional information on filing for due process

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Links to External Resources

U.S. Department of Education’s guidance on disciplining students with disabilities (PDF)

U.S. Department of Education’s 2016 Dear Colleague Letter.

Parent Information Center of New Hampsphire

NH DOE has a slide deck that provides additional information on filing for due process

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This project is supported, in part with funding provided by the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities under grant number 2501NHSCDD from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington. D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Understanding Education-Related Terms