An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a plan that describes the special education instruction, supports, and services that students with disabilities are legally entitled to receive. An IEP is developed by school staff members, the student's parents/guardians and the student (when appropriate). The required contents of an IEP are determined by the student's needs and age as well as federal and state laws. (ISBE)

RTI stands for Response to Intervention. Many schools offer interventions for students who may be experiencing difficulty academically and/or behaviorally. Further supports may be recommended if students are not responding to the interventions provided.

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) integrates universal screening, progress monitoring, assessment, data, and interventions within a three-tiered system to maximize student achievement and to reduce behavior problems. Within this system, schools use a problem solving approach and identify students at risk for poor learning outcomes, monitor student progress, provide evidence-based interventions and adjust those interventions based on a student’s responsiveness.

504 Plans are documentation of a person’s condition that significantly impacts a major life activity, and the accommodations and/or services that are needed to support that individual. These accommodations and/or services are to be provided by a school, university, and/or workplace as relevant or necessary. It comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and is protected under federal civil rights law.