Question 1

What is an IEP?

Accepted Answer

An IEP — Individualized Education Program — is a legally binding document created for a student who qualifies for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It describes the student's present levels of performance, annual goals, the specific services the school must provide, and how progress will be measured. Once signed, the school is required by federal law to implement the plan.

Question 2

What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?

Accepted Answer

Both support students with disabilities but come from different laws. An IEP is created under IDEA for students who need specialized instruction — changes to how, what, or where they are taught. A 504 plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for students who can access general education with accommodations rather than specialized instruction. An IEP typically provides more intensive, legally enforceable services.

Question 3

What does PLAAFP mean?

Accepted Answer

PLAAFP stands for Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance — a required IEP section describing how your student is currently doing in academic and functional areas. It is the foundation of the IEP: goals, services, and accommodations should all grow directly from it. A weak or vague PLAAFP is one of the most common IEP problems.

Question 4

What does FAPE mean?

Accepted Answer

FAPE stands for Free Appropriate Public Education. Under IDEA, every eligible student with a disability is entitled to special education and related services at no cost, designed to meet their unique needs. 'Appropriate' is not the best possible education, but it must be more than minimal.

Question 5

What does LRE mean?

Accepted Answer

LRE stands for Least Restrictive Environment. IDEA requires that students with disabilities be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate, and the team must justify any removal from the general education setting. It means the placement decision must be individualized, not driven by convenience.

Question 6

What is Prior Written Notice (PWN)?

Accepted Answer

Prior Written Notice (PWN) is a document the school must give you any time it proposes — or refuses — to change your student's identification, evaluation, placement, or provision of FAPE. It must explain what is being proposed or refused, why, and what options were considered. Making a significant decision without a PWN is a procedural violation of IDEA.

Question 7

What are my special education rights as a parent in Maryland, Virginia, or DC?

Accepted Answer

Under IDEA, you have the right to participate in all IEP decisions, request evaluations, obtain independent educational evaluations, receive prior written notice of changes, and pursue dispute resolution including mediation and due process. Each area has specific timelines and procedures — Maryland follows COMAR 13A.05.01, Virginia follows 8VAC20-81, and DC follows DCMR Title 5-A Chapter 30.

Decode the IEP "foreign language."

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Sound Familiar?

They handed you a 20-page legal document and said "let us know if you have questions" — and you had no idea what to ask.

The team walked in with the plan already written. You felt like you were there to sign it, not to shape it.

Something felt off about your student's services — but the language was so dense you couldn't put your finger on what.

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