Special Education Terms in Washington
What special education terms does Washington use?
Washington State uses several terms that differ from federal IDEA terminology or other states' systems. Understanding these distinctions is essential for navigating Washington's special education process. Washington uses 'Emotional/Behavioral Disability' (EBD) rather than the federal 'Emotional Disturbance' (WAC 392-172A-01035). The state uses 'student eligible for special education services' as the primary designation, consistent with WAC 392-172A-01035. Washington uses 'isolation' rather than 'seclusion' as the statutory term (WAC 392-172A-01107; RCW 28A.600.485). OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) is the state education agency responsible for special education oversight, enforcement, and complaint investigation. Washington's statewide assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities is the WA-AIM (Washington Comprehensive Assessment System — Alternate). The 'High School and Beyond Plan' is a Washington-specific graduation planning document that IEP transition components must align with (WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(k)). OAH (Office of Administrative Hearings) conducts due process hearings in Washington, not OSPI — providing an independent adjudicator (WAC 392-172A-05095). Washington's 9 regional Educational Service Districts (ESDs) are intermediary agencies that provide services, technical assistance, and support between OSPI and local school districts. The term 'Developmental Delay' applies only for ages 3-9 in Washington (WAC 392-172A-01035).
What Washington Requires
Washington uses 'Emotional/Behavioral Disability' (EBD) rather than the federal 'Emotional Disturbance' (WAC 392-172A-01035).
Washington uses 'isolation' as the statutory term where other states use 'seclusion' (WAC 392-172A-01107; RCW 28A.600.485).
OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction): the Washington state education agency responsible for special education oversight and complaint investigation.
OAH (Office of Administrative Hearings): independent state agency that conducts due process hearings in Washington — not OSPI (WAC 392-172A-05095).
WA-AIM: Washington's alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities — used instead of the SBAC for eligible students.
High School and Beyond Plan: a Washington-specific graduation planning document that IEP transition services must align with (WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(k)).
Educational Service Districts (ESDs): Washington has 9 regional ESDs that serve as intermediary agencies providing special education services, technical assistance, and professional development between OSPI and local districts.
Developmental Delay: applies only for children ages 3-9 in Washington (WAC 392-172A-01035).
Key Timelines
Referral decision within 25 school days — a Washington-specific term and timeline (WAC 392-172A-03005).
Evaluation completion within 35 school days — a Washington-specific timeline using school days rather than calendar days (WAC 392-172A-03005).
IEP in effect within 30 calendar days of eligibility determination (WAC 392-172A-03100).
Isolation verbal notification: by the end of the business day (RCW 28A.600.485) — Washington uses 'isolation' not 'seclusion.'