Glossary

The principle that reading is a universal, fundamental right. Furthermore, people have the right to a quality reading education.

The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law (The Americans with Disabilities Act) and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.

An alteration of environment, curriculum format, or equipment that allows an individual with a disability to gain access to content and/or complete assigned tasks in the Least Restrictive Environment.

A statement or conclusion that describes the reason for a disease, illness, or problem.

The impairment of handwriting ability that is characterized chiefly by very poor or often illegible writing or writing that takes an unusually long time and great effort to complete.

A specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004; ensures students with a disability are provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs. The act establishes special education and related services.

Individualized Educational Plan, a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services.

The idea that student who has a disability should have the opportunity to be educated with non-disabled peers, to the greatest extent appropriate. They should have access to general education curriculum and only pulled out of their general education class when services cannot be provided in that classroom.

Limited strength, vitality, or alertness including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli, that results in limited alertness with respect to the educational environment.

Programs and indicators of time, frequency and related services that addresses a student’s individual differences and needs.