Education

This guide provides a basic introduction to Special Education.

Read The Arc Guide to Special Education

Refer to this guide to understand acronyms used in special education.

Arc Guide to Acronyms in Special Education

Students with disabilities must be educated in the least restrictive environment, as defined by law.

Arc Guide to Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in Education

Section 504 is a part of a law that makes it illegal to discriminate based on disability.

Read the Arc Guide to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Education Provisions)

How to file a complaint if your child is not receiving appropriate special education services.

Read the Arc Guide to the Minnesota Department of Education Complaint System

An evaluation can determine if a student is eligible for special education and related services.

Read the Arc Guide to Special Education Evaluations

Learn about the variety of tools used for special education evaluations.

Read the Arc Guide to Special Education Evaluation Tools

Special education and related services are available to eligible children starting at birth.

Read the Arc Guide to Special Education for Infants and Toddlers

Mediation is a process to help resolve disagreements about a student’s special education program.

Read the Arc Guide to Special Education Mediation

An aide, or paraprofessional, can help students with disabilities learn and participate.

Read the Arc Guide to Special Education Paraprofessional Aides

How to understand terms and scoring systems used in special education testing.

Special Education Evaluation Terms

State testing is used to make sure all educational programs meet standards.

Read the Arc Guide to Minnesota State Testing for Students Receiving Special Education

Some students receiving special education services may need Assistive Technology.

Read the Arc Guide to Assistive Technology

Learn what parents and school districts can do to prevent bullying.

Read the Arc Guide to Bullying and Harassment

Special education services provided to eligible students during school breaks.

Read the Arc Guide to Extended School Year Services.

An assessment to understand the reasons for a student’s behavior.

Read the Arc Guide to Functional Behavior Assessment

This review happens when a school wants to change a student’s classroom or school building because of behavior.

Read the Arc Guide to Manifestation Determination Review

Specific guidelines for discipline for students with disabilities.

Read the Arc Guide to Suspension and Manifestation Determination

Learn about school district policies on administering medications in schools.

Read the Arc Guide to Administering Medication in Public Schools

An Individualized Health Care Plan can help address health care needs during the school day.

Read the Arc Guide to Individualized Health Care Plans

How to understand the difference between medical and educational evaluations.

Read the Arc Guide to Medical Diagnosis vs. Eligibility for Special Education Services

Parents and guardians can request an independent evaluation for a student with disabilities.

Read the Arc Guide to Independent Educational Evaluation

A written plan for students with disabilities receiving special education.

Read the Arc Guide to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

An IEP may include a classroom aide, assigned seating, or other supports.

Read the Arc Guide to Individualized Education Program (IEP) Supplemental Aids and Supports

A meeting led by a neutral professional to improve Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Read the Arc Guide to Facilitated IEP Meetings

Parents or guardians have the right to fully participate in IEP meetings.

Read the Arc Guide to Parent Participation in an IEP Meeting

School staff must give parents and guardians written notice of their decisions.

Read the Arc Guide to Prior Written Notice

Related services focus on assisting a student with a disability to benefit from special education.

Read the Arc Guide to Related Services in Special Education

Parents can request evaluations to understand how their child is doing in school.

Read the Arc Guide to Requesting an Initial Special Education Evaluation

Parents and guardians can schedule meetings to understand their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Read the Arc Guide to Scheduling an IEP Meeting

Learn about graduation requirements for students with disabilities.

Read the Arc Guide to Graduation for Students Receiving Special Education Services

What to consider as a student prepares to transition from school to adult life.

Read The Arc Guide GetSet! for Transition Checklist

Starting in ninth grade, a student’s IEP must address their transition from school to adult life.

Read the Arc Guide to Transition Individualized Education Plan (IEP)