ADHD Buzz Words

504 - As in Section 504 of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Recently extended to include attention, concentration and focus. In prior years, this was meant for the workplace but now also extends to the classroom. It spells out the modifications and accommodations that will be needed for these students to have an opportunity perform at the same level as their peers, and might include such things as wheelchair ramps, blood sugar monitoring, an extra set of textbooks, a peanut-free lunch environment, home instruction, or a tape recorder or keyboard for taking notes.

IEP - Individual Education Plan- covered under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Every child with a specific learning disability and eligible for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) is entitled to an IEP. A written plan stating goals and objections and specific accommodations and changes needed to ensure its success. Written by a team composed of parents, teachers, school district officials and anyone else invited by the parents or school. A more specific, work intensive plan for education than the 504.

RTI - Response to Integration- A tiered practice of teaching and working with children who are stuggling (e.g. Tier 1- smaller groups. If not successful, Tier 2, special education teachers come into the classroom to help work with the student, etc.) The school district's first attempt to catch struggling children early, provide appropriate instruction, and prevent the need to refer the child for special education. Early intervention means more chances for success and less need for special education services. RTI would also address the needs of children who previously did not qualify for special education. U.S. Department of Education hopes to eliminate the wall that separates regular and special education, and thus, eliminate discriminate practices. The concern is that this is a progressive approach to treated potential children with Specific Learning Disability and must be attempted BEFORE a child may receive special education and may delay necessary accommodations

McKay Scholarship - For parents unhappy with the 504 or IEP services provided by the school. Sponsored by No Child Left Behind (NCLB).  Florida's school choice programs ensure that no child will be left behind by allowing parents to choose the best educational setting-public or private-for their child. The McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program provided over 20,500 Florida students with special needs the opportunity to attend a participating private school during the 2008-09 school year. The McKay Scholarships Program also offers parents public school choice. A parent of a special needs student who is dissatisfied with the students current school may choose to transfer the student to another public school.