PaTTAN Special Education Resources
All documents are available on the PaTTAN website
PaTTAN has many tools to help families understand the special education process and participate in IEP meetings.
Digital IEP
This PaTTAN developed document was designed to assist IEP teams when writing an IEP document. This annotated version was reformatted so users can click on sections of interest, search the document, and easily move through the document on a screen. It can also be printed by sections or as a whole.
Participation in the IEP Meetings: Student Rubric
Special Education Resources for Families
Do you have questions about the special education process or your rights? If so, these free resource organizations can help with answers!
The Communication Plan
Communication Plan
The Communication Plan is discussed and developed at the beginning of the IEP meeting for any child who is deaf/hard of hearing or has communication or language needs. The plan will detail how the student communicates in different areas of life and how the student's communication and language needs will be addressed.
Annotated Communication Plan
Early Intervention Communication Plan
Early Intervention also has a Communication Plan that they may use when forming the IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan).
Timelines: for when steps should be started and completed
Special Education Timelines
Special education services must be delivered according to mandatory timelines. Review this document to learn more about Pennsylvania’s timelines according to Pennsylvania law, Chapter 14 Special Education Services and Programs and Federal Regulations Part 300, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Special Education Evaluation/IEP Process
This 2-page document contains two different flowcharts, both outlining the steps in the evaluation process. Each flowchart shows the basic steps to be followed and the decisions to be made by local educational agencies (LEAs) to meet the requirements for evaluation and development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
Special Education Reevaluation/IEP Process
This 2-page document contains two different flowcharts, both outlining the steps in the reevaluation process. Each flowchart shows the basic steps to be followed and the decisions to be made by local educational agencies (LEAs) to meet the requirements for reevaluation and development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
Understanding Special Education: the terms and abbreviations
Education ABCs
The education world is known for using acronyms, or groups of letters, to abbreviate titles and programs. This page has a list of the most frequently used acronyms, in ABC order, to help all stakeholders understand what is being discussed.
Understanding the Language of Special Education: A Glossary for Parents and Educators
This guide is not a legal document but was developed to give parents and educators in Pennsylvania an understanding of the language of special education so they can more easily participate in educational decision-making.
Parent Guide to Special Education
This booklet provides information on the special education process and services so parents will feel comfortable and can better participate in the educational decision-making process for their student.