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abstract thinking - ability to think in terms of ideas.

adaptations - adaptations made in the curriculum, presentation method, or the environment to provide support for the individual student

alternate assessments - an evaluation using various methods in place of traditional paper/pencil tests to assess a student's knowledge. Demonstrations, oral presentations or projects are some examples.

alternate courses - the foundational objectives of the course are significantly different from the regular course

Attention Deficit Disorder - a condition in which a student has difficulties in directing or maintaining attention to normal tasks of learning.

auditory blending - blending of sounds into words.

auditory discrimination - ability to hear differences and similarities in spoken word.

auditory memory - ability to recall information that is heard.

behavior - a relationship between a stimulus and a response.

behavior modification - the process which creates a change in the stimulus/response pattern.

collaboration - to work together towards a common goal.

configuration cues - the outline of a word in relation to the shape and length.

contract - a written agreement between teacher and student that outlines specific behaviors and consequences.

discrimination - ability to differentiate between visual, auditory, tactual, or other sensory stimuli.

distractibility - attention that is easily removed away from the task.

expressive language - vocal, gestures and/or written expression.

fine motor - use of small muscle groups for specific tasks such as handwriting.

foundational objectives - basic curriculum objectives outlined in the curriculum.

hyperactivity - excessive activity in relation to others of the same age and in similar situations.

Individual Education Plan - an individual program designed for a student who qualifies for special education services.

impulsivity - acting or speaking out without considering the consequences.

Instructional assistant - a person who works with a group of students in an classroom.

inclusive schooling - a school setting in which students receive their educational instruction within the classroom setting for the entire or a substantial portion of their school day.

least restrictive environment - a term requiring that, to the greatest possible extent, students with disabilities are educated with their non-disabled peers.

modified courses - the foundational objectives of the regular course have been changed or modified to enable the student to achieve success

modifications - adaptations made in the course content, changes to the foundational objectives

memory - recall of visual, auditory, and or tactile stimuli.

instructional method - the manner in which the teacher chooses to instruct the class

mnemonics - visual or word related aids that facilitate retrieval of information.

parallel activity - An assignment in which the outcome is similar but the materials used to reach the outcome may be entirely different.

parallel instruction - regular classroom teachers and special education teachers teach separate classes, but with the same foundational objectives; instruction is adjusted to meet diverse student needs

previewing - reading, listening to, or viewing the selection before instruction or a test.

readiness - physical, mental and emotional preparedness for a learning activity.

remediation - improvement of basic skills.

short attention span - inability to pay attention to something for a long period of time compared to other of the same age.

strategy - how an individual approaches a task. A "tool" that can be used by learners to help them understand or work with a concept.

supplemental teaching - provisions provided to the student in the form of reteaching, reinforcement and/or alternate curriculum when needed.

supportive teaching - adaptations made to the classroom curriculum or the environment by the special education teacher or inclusion assistant which will allow the student to experience success in the mainstream.

sound symbol - relationship between the printed form of a letter and the sound.

team teaching - two teachers working together jointly to develop, plan and teach a lesson

visual discrimination - ability to perceive likenesses and differences in pictures, words and symbols