MA	mental age.
MCS	multiple chemical sensitivity.
MD	muscular dystrophy.
MDEs	minimum data elements.
MDR	manifestation determination review.
MDT	multidisciplinary team.
ME/CFS	myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
MFS	maintenance of state financial support.
MMPI	Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.
MOE	maintenance of effort.
MOOC	massive open online course.
MSCA	McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities.
MTSS	multi-tiered system of support.
MSIX	Migrant Student Information Exchange.
magnet school	A magnet school is a school established by a school district that offers curricula or an instructional model that is not necessarily offered by the student's home school.
mainstreaming	Mainstreaming is a commonly used term in the educational community typically referring to the placement of a child with a disability alongside nondisabled children in the regular education setting. It is generally a less-preferred term for inclusion or full inclusion. See Murray v. Montrose County Sch. Dist. RE-1J, 22 IDELR 558, 564 n.10 (10th Cir. 1995) ("The term 'inclusion' is increasingly favored over the term 'mainstreaming' because 'mainstreaming connotes the shuttling of the [child] in and out of the regular class without altering the class to accommodate the child [citation omitted].'").
maintenance of effort (MOE)	Under ESEA, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act, maintenance of effort refers to a local educational agency's obligation to maintain its state and local spending for public education from one year to the next in order to stay eligible for many ESEA programs, including Title I, Part A. Specifically, ESEA Section 8521 states: an LEA "may receive funds under a covered program for any fiscal year only if the [state educational agency] finds that either the combined fiscal effort per student or the aggregate expenditures of the agency and the State with respect to the provision of free public education by the agency for the preceding fiscal year was not less than 90 percent of the combined fiscal effort or aggregate expenditures for the second preceding fiscal year." LEAs may meet the threshold under either of two standards -- combined fiscal effort per student or aggregate expenditure -- and the SEA must use the measure that is most favorable to the LEA. If the LEA fails to meet the 90 percent mark for any fiscal year, the SEA must reduce the amount of funds allocated under all of the covered ESEA programs, including Title I, Part A, in the exact proportion to which an LEA fails to meet the 90 percent requirement. However, in a change under ESSA, states need only reduce an LEA's grant if the LEA has also failed to meet the 90 percent threshold in any one of the immediately preceding five years. The United States Department of Education may waive the MOE requirement for an LEA in case of an exceptional or uncontrollable circumstance, such as a natural disaster or, as newly added under ESSA, a change in the organizational structure of the LEA. 2. Under the IDEA, the term is commonly used to describe the requirements of funds provided to a district under Part B that may not be used to reduce the level of expenditures for the education of children with disabilities made by a district from local funds below the level of those expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. See 34 CFR 300.203(b)(2).
maintenance of state financial support (MFS)	This term refers to an IDEA requirement providing that a state must not reduce the amount of state financial support for special education and related services for children with disabilities, or otherwise made available because of the excess costs of educating those children, below the amount of that support for the preceding fiscal year. 34 CFR 300.163; and 20 USC 1412(a)(18)(A). Under the IDEA and its implementing regulations, the United States Department of Education can grant a waiver of a state's MFS obligation for one fiscal year at a time if ED determines that: 1) granting a waiver would be equitable due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, such as a natural disaster or a precipitous and unforeseen decline in the financial resources of the state; or 2) the state meets the standard for a waiver of the supplement, not to supplant requirement. 34 CFR 300.163(c); and 20 USC 1412(a)(18)(C).
major life activity	The ADA Amendments Act, effective Jan. 1, 2009, states that major life activities include, but are not limited to: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, sitting, reaching, lifting, bending, speaking breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, writing, communicating, interacting with others, and working. 42 USC 12102 (2)(B). The Department of Justice's final rule amending its ADA regulations at 28 CFR 35.108(c)(1)(ii) provide that major life activities also include the operation of a major bodily function, such as the functions of the immune system, special sense organs and skin, normal cell growth, and digestive, genitourinary, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, cardiovascular, endocrine, hemic, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems. The operation of a major bodily function includes the operation of an individual organ within a body system. See also 42 USC 12102(2)(B).
maladaptive behavior	Maladaptive behavior is behavior that interferes with an individual's ability to function in society. Maladaptive behavior domains generally include: (a) violent and destructive behavior, (b) antisocial behavior, (c) rebelliousness, (d) untrustworthiness, (e) withdrawal, (f) stereotypic behaviors, (g) odd mannerisms, (h) inappropriate social behavior, and (i) self-abusive behavior.
maladaptive behavior, assessment of	This term refers to an assessment of behavior composed generally of three methods: (a) behavioral checklists completed by parents or teachers; (b) informal interviews with teachers, parents, and peers; and (c) direct observation in different settings. See also four pillars of assessment.
maladaptive behavior, interventions for	This term refers to interventions used to address interfering behavior. These may include: (a) behavior modification; (b) special classrooms; (c) behavior management plan; (d) cognitive behavior modification therapy; (e) intensive psychotherapy; and (f) pharmaceuticals.
male	Defined in Executive Order 14168: Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, 125 LRP 2341 (EOP 01/20/25), as "a person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the small reproductive cell." In addition, "'Men' or 'man' and 'boys' or 'boy' shall mean adult and juvenile human males, respectively."
manifestation determination review (MDR)	An MDR is an analysis of the relationship between a student's disability and the student's behavior that violates a student code of conduct. A district must complete an MDR when it proposes to subject a student to a change of placement because of disciplinary removals. 34 CFR 300.536. A change of placement occurs if the removal is for more than 10 consecutive school days or if the child has been subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern. To conduct the MDR, the local educational agency, the parent, and relevant members of the child's IEP team (as determined by the parent and the LEA) review all relevant information in the student's file, including the child's IEP, any teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parents to determine if the conduct in question: was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the child's disability; or was the direct result of the district's failure to implement the IEP. 34 CFR 300.530(e). The same review is required under Section 504 (34 CFR 104.35) in connection with disciplinary actions that constitute a significant change in educational placement, but the term "manifestation determination review" does not appear in the regulatory language.
manipulative	This term refers to a physical object used as a model in an instructional program. For example, coins can be a manipulative for math instruction.
mapping	Mapping is a process that involves programming the speech processing component of a cochlear implant to assist a child in developing proper language skills. Mapping is specifically excluded as a related service by 34 CFR 300.34(b)(1).
marked crossing	Defined as a term of art by the regulations implementing Title II of the ADA, which include the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, marked crossing means a crosswalk or other identified path intended for pedestrian use in crossing a vehicular way.
Marfan syndrome	Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects an individual's musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, Marfan syndrome affects many parts of an individual's body, including the heart and blood vessels, bones and joints, eyes, skin, and lungs. There is no cure for the disorder, but it is treatable. Marfan syndrome symptoms vary widely in severity, timing of onset, and rate of progression. The two primary features of Marfan syndrome are vision problems caused by a dislocated lens in one or both eyes and defects in the aorta, which is the large blood vessel that distributes blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Potential aneurysm and aortic dissection could be life threatening.
masking	This term refers to a way to limit the disclosure of personally identifiable information. Masking involves the replacement of sensitive information with realistic but false data. It can also involve the modification of sensitive data with predetermined values through a computer algorithm. Masking is often used to protect student privacy in public reports.
massive open online course (MOOC)	Massive open online course is a course in which materials and instructions are delivered over the internet to users around the world. These courses are designed to connect instructors with learners' interest in a common topic.
mast cell activation syndrome	Mast cell activation syndrome is an immunological condition in which the individual's mast cells, a type of blood cell, inappropriately release excessive amounts of chemicals, such as histamine. An individual with mast cell activation syndrome may experience frequent and repeated allergic symptoms, such as hives, swelling, low blood pressure, anaphylaxis, and diarrhea.
mastery learning	1. Mastery learning is an approach to individualized instruction in which students are allowed the time necessary to master a unit of the curriculum before proceeding to the next learning unit. 2. In connection with special education programming, the term refers to breaking down a program of instruction into its smallest units and sequencing those units in hierarchical order from least difficult to most difficult or advanced, and teaching each unit to mastery before moving on the next unit. See also individualized instruction; and short-term objectives.
McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA)	McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities is a standardized, individually administered instrument that produces a score of a child's general level of intelligence as well as specific measures of verbal ability, nonverbal reasoning ability, short-term memory, and coordination. The MSCA consists of six scales: (a) verbal scale, (b) perceptual-performance scale, (c) quantitative scale, (d) memory scale, (e) motor scale, and (f) general cognitive scale; the instrument is useful in assessment of learning disabilities in younger children.
McGinnis method	The McGinnis method is a method for instructing children with learning disabilities using sight, sound, and kinesthesis, and stressing attention, recall, and retention. See also multisensory approach; and Project Read.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act	The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, amended by the latest reauthorization of the ESEA, is now housed under Title IX, Part A. The act is the primary piece of federal legislation aimed at strengthening and improving the education of America's homeless children from early childhood through high school graduation and in preparation for higher education. The amendments made to McKinney-Vento took effect July 1, 2016. ESEA seeks increases at the state and local educational agency level in the identification, enrollment, stability, and school success of all students experiencing homelessness, including preschool-age children and those who have disabilities. All homeless children must receive equal access to the same FAPE as other students and receive services that enable them to meet challenging state academic standards.
mean	With reference to test scores, the term "mean" is the arithmetic average of the scores. The mean is the generally preferred measure of central tendency; other measures include median and mode.
measure of central tendency	This term refers to a description of the typical or average score in a population of test-takers, most commonly used are the mean, mode, and median.
measure of dispersion	Measure of dispersion escribes the variability of a group of scores in a population of test-takers. The most commonly used are range, variance, and standard deviation.
measurement	In connection with behavioral assessment, measurement is the assignment of numerical values to observed behaviors or actions; various measurement systems for which key factors in selection are reliability and validity. See also scale.
mechanical restraint	A mechanical restraint is the use of any device or equipment to restrict a student's free movement. According to the Office for Civil Rights, the term does not include devices implemented by trained school personnel or that have been prescribed by an appropriate medical or related services professional and used for a specific and approved purpose (e.g., adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to achieve proper body position or alignment and orthopedically prescribed devices). Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 81 IDELR 111 (OCR 2022). See also physical restraint.
median	With reference to test scores, the median is the middle point or the 50th percentile; the measure of central tendency most apt when most scores are either at the high end or low end of the range. See also mean; and mode.
mediation	Mediation is an informal process in which parents and school districts voluntarily resolve differences about issues such as identification, programming, or placement for a student with a disability without conducting a due process hearing. States must offer mediation as an option and implement procedures to allow parties to resolve disputes through mediation, but they cannot compel mediation. Mediation must be conducted by a qualified and impartial mediator who is trained in effective mediation techniques. 34 CFR 300.506. The term is also defined at 32 CFR 57.3 for purposes of the provision of services to eligible Department of Defense dependents as a confidential, voluntary, informal dispute resolution process that is provided at no charge to the parents, whether or not a due process petition has been filed, in which the disagreeing parties engage in a discussion of issues related to the provision of the child's early intervention services or special education and related services in the presence of, or through, a qualified and impartial mediator who is trained in effective mediation techniques.
mediator	A mediator is one who conducts mediation between parents and school districts in an attempt to resolve differences prior to the filing of a due process hearing. 34 CFR 300.506(b)(1)(iii) provides that the mediator must be qualified, impartial, and trained in effective mediation techniques. A state educational agency selects mediators on a random, rotational, or other impartial basis (34 CFR 300.506(b)(3)) from a state list (34 CFR 300.506(b)(3)(i)). The mediator cannot be an employee of the SEA or local educational agency involved in the education or care of the child and must not have personal or professional interest that conflict with his objective. 34 CFR 300.506(b)(3). See also resolution session.
Medical Assistance (Medicaid)	Medical Assistance is a joint federal-state program authorized under Title XIX of the Social Security Act designed to provide medical assistance to individuals whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary care and services; codified as a matter of federal law at 42 USC 1396 through 42 USC 1396s. Each state operates its own Medicaid program under a state plan that, within limits imposed by the federal government, allows states to establish their own eligibility criteria and range of covered services. The limit most pertinent to serving children with disabilities is contained in Part B regulations at 34 CFR 300.186, which makes it clear that states may not reduce assistance available to children with disabilities by eliminating coverage of services that are also part of FAPE.
medical alert dog	A medical alert dog is a dog trained to alert its owner of a medical emergency (i.e., a dog trained to alert its owner with diabetes when there is dangerous change in blood sugar levels, or a dog trained to alert its owner of an oncoming seizure). This type of service dog may also be trained to move its owner to a safe place during a medical emergency. See also medical detection dogs; service dogs; and assistance animals.
medical detection dog	A medical detection dog is a dog trained to detect scents or odors related to specific medical complications or disease. For example, a dog that is trained to detect cancer or bacterial infection in people is a medical detection dog. Medical detection dogs may also be referred to as medical alert dogs, depending on their specific training and expertise. See also service dogs; and assistance animals.
medical model	A medical model is an educational approach that focuses on the underlying cause of the overt behavior or observed problem that adversely affects the educational performance of a student with a disability. See also etiology.
medical services	1. In connection with special education, medical services refer to the limited range of physician services that must be provided as a related service. The term is defined as a term of art at 34 CFR 300.34(c)(5) as services provided by a licensed physician to determine a child's medically related disability that results in the child's need for special education and related services. Medical services are required under the IDEA to the extent that they are necessary for diagnostic purposes. The services of licensed physicians for other purposes, specifically for treatment, is not a related service. 2. The term is defined as a term of art in the Part C regulations at 34 CFR 303.13(b)(5) as services provided by a licensed physician for diagnosis or evaluation purposes to determine a child's developmental status and need for early intervention services. 3. For covered Department of Defense entities, medical services are those evaluative, diagnostic, and therapeutic services provided by a licensed and credentialed medical provider to assist providers of early intervention services, regular education and special education teachers, and providers of related services to develop and implement IFSPs and IEPs. See excluded medical services; and school health services.
medically fragile	Generally, medically fragile refers to a student who requires intensive and prolonged health care as a result of a catastrophic medical event or congenital condition. 2. In connection with special education, the term refers to a student with extreme medical needs that require specific procedures to be provided or available during the day for the student to attend school, thus complicating provision of a program designed to meet educational needs. A child who is medically fragile and needs school health services or school nurse services to receive FAPE must be provided such services as indicated in the child's IEP. See 71 Fed. Reg. 46,574 (2006).
membrane keyboard	This term refers to a keyboard with flat, touch-sensitive surface rather than keys, with size, place, and characters on the surface modifiable. It can be described as an alternative input interface for individuals with disabilities who lack the fine motor skills to manipulate a standard keyboard. See also keyboard for an individual with a disability.
memory	Memory is the process of storing, processing, and retrieving information.
memory disorder	This term refers to a deficiency in the storage or retrieval of information resulting from either brain injury or neurological impairment.
meningitis	Meningitis is an inflammation or infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Children recovering from meningitis may have residual mental impairments.
mental age (MA)	Mental age refers to a student's mental ability in terms of the average chronological age of other students who have the same score on a mental ability test. If a child's score is the same as the mean score of children of a certain chronological age, then that chronological age is the child's mental age.
mental impairment	This term is defined by regulations implementing Title II of the ADA at 28 CFR 35.104 as "(i)(A) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine; (B) Any mental or psychological disorder such as 'intellectual disability,' organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. (ii) The phrase includes, but is not limited to, such contagious and noncontagious diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, 'intellectual disability,' emotional illness, specific learning disabilities, HIV disease (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic), tuberculosis, drug addiction, and alcoholism. (iii) The phrase does not include homosexuality or bisexuality."
mental retardation	A formerly used term for intellectual disability. Pursuant to Rosa's Law, federal legislation signed by President Obama on Oct. 5, 2010, the term "intellectual disability," instead of "mental retardation," and the term "individual with an intellectual disability," instead of "mentally retarded," must be used in health, education, and labor policy, including the IDEA, the ESEA, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
mental status examination	A mental status examination is the part of the psychiatric, general medical, or neurologic assessment that specifically examines an individual's level of consciousness, language, ability to perceive through sight, to have higher motor activity (such as reaching), and to have memory and other higher mental functions.
mentorship	Mentorship is educational programming for gifted students in which a member of the school system, or the community generally, agrees to serve as a counselor and guide for a student's independent efforts in the mentor's area of expertise.
metacognitive approach	This term refers to an instructional approach encouraging a student to become aware of his own thinking processes and to use that awareness to self-regulate his own academic achievement by facilitating use of his cognitive abilities and preferred learning styles.
metadata	Metadata is information about content or other data that allows it to be stored in and retrieved from a database.
method	The Part C regulations define the term at 34 CFR 303.344(d)(2) as the way in which a service is provided.
Metropolitan Achievement Test	The Metropolitan Achievement Test is an assessment instrument, available in 14 levels from kindergarten through grade 12, assessing student achievement in: reading, mathematics, language, science, social studies, and critical thinking skills. It also measures content mastery in areas such as vocabulary, mathematical concepts and problem-solving, composing and editing.
microcephaly	Microcephaly is a condition in which the brain is markedly smaller than normal, typically due to genetic developmental defects or in-utero infections, such as those caused by viruses. See also anencephalus.
microschool	The term describes a blend of traditional and home-schooling for a small number of students. The school is typically a private school, and education is highly personalized. It is defined in the West Virgina Code as "a school initiated by one or more teachers or an entity created to operate a school that charges tuition for the students who enroll and is an alternative to enrolling in a public school, private school, homeschool, or learning pod." WV Code 18-8-1.
middle grades	This term is defined as a term of art in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to mean grades five through eight. 20 USC 7801(32).
middle school	This term refers to a school usually comprising grades seven, eight, and nine.
Migrant Student Information Exchange (MSIX)	Migrant Student Information Exchange is defined as a term of art at 34 CFR 200.81(e) as the nationwide system administered by the United States Department of Education for linking and exchanging specified educational and health information for all migratory children.
migratory agricultural worker	Migratory agricultural worker is defined by ESEA as an individual who made a qualifying move in the preceding 36 months and, after doing so, engaged in new temporary or seasonal employment or personal subsistence in agriculture, which may be dairy work or the initial processing of raw agricultural products. If an individual did not engage in such new employment soon after a qualifying move, such individual may be considered a migratory agricultural worker if the individual actively sought such new employment and has a recent history of moves for temporary or seasonal agricultural employment. 20 USC 6399(2).
migratory child	Migratory child is a defined by ESEA as a child or youth who made a qualifying move in the preceding 36 months (A) as a migratory agricultural worker or a migratory fisher; or (B) with, or to join, a parent or spouse who is a migratory agricultural worker or a migratory fisher. 20 USC 6399(3).
migratory fisher	Migratory fisher is defined by ESEA to mean an individual who made a qualifying move in the preceding 36 months and, after doing so, engaged in new temporary or seasonal employment or personal subsistence in fishing. If the individual did not engage in such new employment soon after the move, the individual may be considered a migratory fisher if the individual actively sought such new employment and has a recent history of moves for temporary or seasonal fishing employment. 20 USC 6399(4).
mild disability	Imprecise term generally understood to include students with mild intellectual disability, learning disabilities, or emotional disturbances who spend the larger part of the school day in the regular educational environment. See also severe disability.
mild hearing loss	This term refers to having difficulty hearing faint sounds.
mild intellectual disability	A mild intellectual disability is generally characterized by the ability to learn and function with a low level of support. Cases of intellectual disability are classified in the DSM-5 on the basis of the severity of intellectual impairment; the classification is not dependent upon an IQ score. Often, a mild intellectual disability does not become apparent until the child reaches school age. See also intellectual disability; moderate intellectual disability; learning disability; and Rosa's Law.
mild spasticity	This term refers to a type of cerebral palsy characterized by awkward gait and lack of balance. As distinguished from moderate spasticity.
milieu therapy	Milieu therapy is a method for teaching language and social skills to children with autism or other children whose disabilities impair communicative or social skills.
miniature horse	A miniature horse is an animal generally suited to service animal work. The Department of Justice added a specific provision at 28 CFR 35.136(i) implementing Title II of the ADA, which set forth rules for service animals. The new rule also requires public entities to permit the use of a miniature horse as a service animal. Appendix A to Part 35 -- Guidance to Revisions to ADA Regulation on Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services describes a miniature horse as "not one specific breed, but may be one of several breeds, with distinct characteristics that produce animals suited to service animal work. The animals generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the withers, or shoulders, and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds. These characteristics are similar to those of large breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, and Mastiffs. Similar to dogs, miniature horses can be trained through behavioral reinforcement to be 'housebroken' ... [T]hese miniature horses are trained to provide a wide array of services to their handlers, primarily guiding individuals who are blind or have low vision, pulling wheelchairs, providing stability and balance for individuals with disabilities that impair the ability to walk, and supplying leverage that enables a person with a mobility disability to get up after a fall."
miniature keyboard	A miniature keyboard is characterized by having standard keys on a smaller surface for those with limited arm movement or use of only one hand. See also keyboard for an individual with a disability.
minimum cell size	This term is defined in the 2016 final regulations as the minimum number of children experiencing a particular outcome; to be used as the numerator when calculating either the risk for a particular racial or ethnic group or the risk for children in all other racial or ethnic groups. 34 CFR 300.647(a)(3).
minimum data elements (MDEs)	This term is defined as a term of art at 34 CFR 200.81(i) as the educational and health information for migratory children that the Secretary requires each state educational agency that receives a grant of Migrant Education Program funds to collect, maintain, submit to the Migrant Student Information Exchange, and use. MDEs may include: immunization records and other health information; academic history (including partial credit), credit accrual, and results from state assessments required under the ESEA; other academic information essential to ensuring that migratory children achieve to high academic standards; and information regarding eligibility for services under the IDEA.
minimum due process	In connection with disciplinary action, this term refers to the constitutional requirement established by the U.S. Supreme Court in Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975), obligating schools to give students some kind of notice and some kind of hearing before imposing suspensions of up to 10 school days. See also short-term suspension. The minimum due process requirements are, of course, far less rigorous than the procedural safeguards triggered by a proposed suspension of a student with a disability for more than 10 school days.
minimum n-size	This term is defined in the IDEA regulations as the minimum number of children enrolled in a local educational agency with respect to identification and the minimum number of children with disabilities enrolled in an LEA with respect to placement and discipline. It is to be used as the denominator when calculating either the risk for a particular racial or ethnic group or the risk for children in all other racial or ethnic groups. 34 CFR 300.647(a)(4).
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)	Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory is an assessment instrument for major psychological characteristics used to disclose the extent, if any, of a child's social and personal maladjustment, including disabling psychological dysfunction. MMPI is a widely used clinical method of testing for hostility and potential for aggression.
mirror reading	This term refers to a learning disability in which words are seen in reverse and read from right to left.
misconduct	In connection with school discipline, misconduct is generally understood to be student behavior that is unacceptable to school officials but does not violate criminal statutes, including absenteeism, tardiness, bullying, and inappropriate language.
mitigating measure	The Department of Justice's final rule at 28 CFR 35.108(d)(4) amending its ADA regulations explains that mitigating measures include, but are not limited to: (i) Medication, medical supplies, equipment, appliances, low-vision devices (defined as devices that magnify, enhance, or otherwise augment a visual image, but not including ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses), prosthetics including limbs and devices, hearing aids and cochlear implants or other implantable hearing devices, mobility devices, and oxygen therapy equipment and supplies; (ii) Use of assistive technology; (iii) Reasonable modifications or auxiliary aids or services as defined in this regulation; (iv) Learned behavioral or adaptive neurological modifications; or (v) Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, or physical therapy.
mixed delivery system	Defined by ESEA Section 9212, mixed delivery system means "a system: (A) of early childhood education services that are delivered through a combination of programs, providers, and settings (such as Head Start, licensed family and center-based child care programs, public schools, and community based organizations); and (B) that is supported with a combination of public funds and private funds."
mixed determination	A mixed determination is appropriate for complaints with multiple allegations, where the allegations will be resolved in different ways (e.g., an investigation has found a violation with regard to some allegations and insufficient evidence with regard to others). Office for Civil Rights Case Processing Manual, Section 303(c), February 2025. In a mixed determination case, where OCR is making a determination OCR will negotiate a resolution agreement and issue a letter of findings. Where OCR is not making a determination, but is resolving allegations pursuant to a resolution agreement, OCR will issue a resolution letter. See OCR's CPM, February 2025.
mixed dominance	Mixed dominance refers to an inconsistent use of one's right or left hand found among students with learning disabilities more frequently than one would expect as a matter of statistical probability.
mobile work crew	This term refers to a supported employment model in which an employment group of four to six adults with disabilities and a crew supervisor work together at various job sites to perform functions such as janitorial work.
mobility aids	This term refers to supports such as canes, service animals, and electronic devices that help blind individuals orient themselves in their physical location and move about safely. See also echolocation device.
mobility instruction	Mobility instruction refers to the integration of specific daily living skills into the educational program of a child with a disability to assist her in navigating safely in the community. As distinguished from mobility training.
mobility specialist	A mobility specialist is a professional with formal training evidenced by a bachelor's or master's degree who provides mobility training, including orientation, to blind individuals.
mobility training	This term refers to a variety of techniques designed to help blind individuals move safely and independently within the community, including orientation and using a cane. As distinguished from mobility instruction. See also orientation.
mode	With reference to test scores, this term means the measure of central tendency that indicates the score occurring most frequently. See also mean; and median.
mode of communication	As explained in 34 CFR 300.39(a) defining native language, in connection with an individual who is deaf, blind or has no written language, mode of communication refers to how that individual normally communicates, such as by using sign language, Braille, or oral communication.
modeling	Modeling is imitation by a child of desired behaviors performed by peers or teachers, even in the absence of either positive reinforcement for so performing or negative reinforcement for performing behavior inconsistent with the desired behavior.
moderate hearing loss	This term refers to hearing loss that probably requires a hearing aid but that is characterized by retention of residual hearing.
moderate intellectual disability	A moderate intellectual disability is generally characterized by the ability to learn and function with a moderate level of support. Cases of intellectual disability are classified in the DSM-5 on the basis of the severity of intellectual impairment; the classification is not dependent upon an IQ score. See also intellectual disability; mild intellectual disability; and Rosa's Law.
moderate spasticity	Moderate spasticity is a type of cerebral palsy in which one's legs rotate inward and flex at the knees, resulting in a scissoring gait. As distinguished from mild spasticity.
modification	A modification is a substantive change in an assessment or academic curriculum that changes the rigor or expectations.
Moebius syndrome	Moebius syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by lifetime facial paralysis. People with Moebius syndrome cannot smile or frown, and they often can't blink or move their eyes from side to side. In some instances, the syndrome is also associated with physical problems in other parts of the body.
Monell claim	A Monell claim is a civil claim that a parent may file against a municipality or other local government entity, such as a school district, based on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Monell v. Department of Social Services of City of New York, 103 LRP 35365, 436 U.S. 658 (1978). Generally, a parent may file a Monell claim to hold a district or other educational agency liable for an employee's violation of her child's federal or constitutional rights under 42 USC 1983, also known as Section 1983. To assert a viable Monell claim, a parent must show that the alleged federal or constitutional violation resulted from a municipal -- or district -- policy, custom, or practice.
monitoring and compliance	Monitoring and compliance refers to the Office of Special Education Programs' ongoing assessment of system effectiveness to ensure that state educational agencies meet their responsibility to ensure that all the requirements of Part B are carried out.
monoplegia	Monoplegia refers to a rare form of spasticity affecting three limbs. See also cerebral palsy.
Montessori method	Montessori method is an instructional method, usually for preschool and elementary school children, based on individualized instruction, extensive sensory and motor training, and reading and writing instruction starting at an early age.
moot	With regard to a civil action, moot is a term for a case in which a judgment will have no meaningful impact on the parties. When a court finds a case is moot, it has determined that a decision or judgment in the case would have no practical legal effect on the parties or circumstances as they exist at that time or are likely to exist in the future. Article III of the U.S. Constitution and the constitutions of the states limit the jurisdiction of courts to actual ongoing cases or controversies. This requirement extends throughout the pendency of the action, not just at the time the case is filed. If no controversy exists, the case is rendered moot unless a party can show likely involvement in the same controversy at a later date if there is no current resolution -- the "capable of repetition, yet evading review" exception to the mootness doctrine.
morpheme	This term refers to the smallest unit of meaningful language. See also phoneme.
morphology	This term refers to the rules of language governing morphemes.
motion detection switch	In connection with assistive technology devices, a motion detection switch is a sensor switch that is activated by small, controlled muscle movements, such as blinking one's eyes.
motor activity	Motor activity is a term that refers to movement of body muscles.
motor learning	Motor learning refers to programming that helps students with sensorimotor disabilities master fine motor skills and gross motor skills required for daily living. Through motor learning, students use their cognitive skills to learn movements that nondisabled students are able to learn automatically and perform habitually without cognition.
mouth stick	A mouth stick is an alternative input interface held in the mouth by individuals unable to use their hands to depress keys on a computer keyboard or make selections on a communication device.
MSIX interconnection security agreement	Defined as a term of art at 34 CFR 200.81(l), MSIX interconnection security agreement is the agreement between the United States Department of Education and a state educational agency that specifies the technical and security requirements for establishing, maintaining, and operating the interconnection between the state migrant student records system and the Migrant Student Information Exchange. The MSIX interconnection security agreement supports the MSIX memorandum of understanding and documents the requirements for connecting the two information technology systems, describes the security controls to be used to protect the systems and data, and contains a topological drawing of the interconnection.
MSIX memorandum of understanding	The MSIX memorandum of understanding is an agreement between the United States Department of Education and state educational agency that governs the interconnection of the state migrant student records system and the Migrant Student Information Exchange, including the terms under which the state educational agency will abide by the agreement based upon its review of all relevant technical, security, and administrative issues. 34 CFR 200.81(k).
multi-stage IEP	An IEP that contemplates a change in the student's services or placement at some future point in time. This change will occur after the district begins implementing the IEP in question but before the student's next annual IEP review. For example, a multi-stage IEP might require one type of placement for the remainder of the current school year and another type of placement for the following school year. See, e.g., N.E. v. Seattle Sch. Dist., 69 IDELR 1 (9th Cir. 2016) (discussing an IEP that called for a student with ADHD to spend the remaining three weeks in his third-grade year in a 1:1+1 setting and to attend a self-contained class for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities when he returned to school in September for fourth grade).
multidisciplinary	In connection with early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities, this term is defined, as a term of art, in Part C regulations at 34 CFR 303.24 as: "the involvement of two or more separate disciplines or professions and with respect to -- (a) Evaluation of the child in 34 CFR 303.113 and 34 CFR 303.321(a)(1)(i) and assessments of the child and family in 34 CFR 303.321(a)(1)(ii), may include one individual who is qualified in more than one discipline or profession; and (b) The IFSP Team in 34 CFR 303.340 must include the involvement of the parent and two or more individuals from separate disciplines or professions and one of these individuals must be the service coordinator (consistent with 34 CFR 303.343(a)(1)(iv))." In connection with the provision of services to eligible Department of Defense dependents, defined as the involvement of two or more disciplines or professions in the integration and coordination of services, including evaluation and assessment activities and development of an individualized family service plan or an IEP.
multidisciplinary evaluation	A multidisciplinary evaluation refers to comprehensive procedures used to determine whether a student is eligible for special education and the nature and extent of the special education and related services the student needs. These procedures are conducted by a team of individuals representing a variety of disciplines and are used selectively with an individual student and do not include basic tests administered to or procedures used with all students in a school, grade, or class.
multidisciplinary team (MDT)	Generally, this term refers to a functioning unit of individuals with varied professional training that coordinates services for a child with a disability, also called an interdisciplinary team. 2. The term also refers to the group of people who conduct the evaluation and determine the placement of a child with a disability under the IDEA and Section 504.
multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)	Multiple chemical sensitivity is an allergic condition or syndrome characterized by severe reactions to chemicals commonly found in homes, schools, and workplaces. The key to finding eligibility on the basis of multiple chemical sensitivity under Section 504 is whether the impairment is substantially limiting.
multiple disabilities	1. The term refers to a combination of two or more disabilities that result in the individual with the disabilities having significant difficulties in functional living. 2. The term is defined, as a term of art, in IDEA regulations at 34 CFR 300.8(c)(7) as: "concomitant impairments (such as [intellectual disability]-blindness, [intellectual disability]-orthopedic impairment, etc.), the combination of which causes such severe educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for one of the impairments. The term does not include deaf-blindness."
multiple intelligences	Development Psychologist Howard Gardner's theory of intelligence, popular among educators, in which he claims there are several relatively independent intelligences: logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.
multiple sclerosis (MS)	Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.
multiplier	In connection with awarding of attorneys' fees, multiplier refers to an upward adjustment of the amount computed under the lodestar method based on factors such as novelty of the claim or probability of success; explicitly prohibited under the IDEA (20 USC 1415(i)(3)(C)).
multipurpose system	This term refers to an augmentative communication device with educational, vocational, or recreational applications as well as for communication; commercial high-tech electronic communication aids include: the Liberator, DynaVox, and the Touch Talker/Light Talker.
multisensory approach	A multisensory approach is a comprehensive continuum of evidence-based, systemic practices to support a rapid response to students' needs, with regular observation to facilitate data-based instructional decision-making. May encompass combinations of response to intervention, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and/or other intervention and prevention frameworks or systems.
multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)	According to ESEA, a multi-tiered system of supports is a comprehensive continuum of evidence-based, systemic practices to support a rapid response to students' needs, with regular observation to facilitate data-based instructional decision-making.
muscle tone	Muscle tone refers to the resistance of muscle tissues to being stretched; when deficient, tone may be either flaccid or spastic.
muscular dystrophy (MD)	Muscular dystrophy is a hereditary disease for which there is no cure in which muscle tissue is replaced by fatty tissue, resulting in weakness and wasting away of muscle tissues; progressive deterioration of functioning and a loss of vitality; several different types, including Duchenne disease, myasthenia gravis, and progressive atrophy.
myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)	Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is a chronic disorder of unknown etiology that can be debilitating, with symptoms that can include persistent fatigue, sore throat, headaches, sinus congestion, muscle aches, sleep disruption, visual motor disturbances, poor attention span, memory deficits, and swollen glands. Also referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome by itself or chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome. See other health impairment. According to the Office of Special Education Programs, ME/CFS may be a qualifying "other health impairment" under the IDEA if it results in the child having limited strength, vitality, or alertness and needing special education as a result. Letter to Fazio, 21 IDELR 572 (OSEP 1994).
myotonic dystrophy	See Steinart's disease.