Special Education Terms in Oklahoma
What special education terms does Oklahoma use?
Oklahoma uses several state-specific terms and acronyms that differ from federal IDEA terminology or other states. Understanding these terms is essential for parents navigating Oklahoma's special education system.
What Oklahoma Requires
MEEGS = Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Eligibility Group Summary — Oklahoma's required eligibility determination document (replaces the federal 'eligibility determination' form); the MEEGS date is used as the trigger for the 30-day initial IEP development timeline
RED = Review of Existing Data — required first step in any evaluation process; must be completed within 10 school days of written parental consent; completed by the evaluation team before additional assessments are planned
SoonerStart = Oklahoma's Part C early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays/disabilities from birth to age 3; transitions to Part B LEA services at age 3
OAAP = Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program — for students with most significant cognitive AND adaptive behavior deficits; students earn an alternate diploma (not standard diploma); requires postsecondary goals in all 4 areas and at least 2 short-term objectives per goal
EDPlan = Oklahoma's statewide online IEP software system used by all LEAs for IEP documentation and compliance tracking
LNH Scholarships = Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities — Oklahoma voucher program allowing eligible IEP students to attend approved private schools at public expense
SERC = Special Education Resolution Center — operated by Oklahoma State University; provides IEP Facilitation, Mediation, and Due Process hearing management at no cost
OSDE = Oklahoma State Department of Education; OSDE-SES = Special Education Services division; the regulatory authority for special education in Oklahoma
ICAP = Individual Career and Academic Planning — Oklahoma's career planning process; must be coordinated with but remain separate from the IEP transition plan (70 O.S. § 1210.508-4)
OSTP = Oklahoma State Testing Program — standard statewide assessments for regular diploma track; OAAP is the alternate assessment for significant cognitive disability students
OSB = Oklahoma School for the Blind (Muskogee); OSD = Oklahoma School for the Deaf — state-operated free residential/day programs through the Department of Rehabilitation Services