What does ESY stand for in special education?

In special education, ESY stands for Extended School Year. This term refers to a program that provides additional educational services to students with disabilities beyond the standard academic year. The purpose of ESY is to ensure that students maintain their learning and progress towards their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, rather than experiencing regression during extended breaks, such as summer vacation.

The concept of ESY is vital in supporting students who may require extra assistance to avoid losing skills during long periods away from structured educational environments. The determination of whether a student qualifies for ESY services is typically based on various factors, including the degree of their disability, individual needs, and documentation that supports the necessity of extended services.

Other options suggest different interpretations of what ESY could stand for, but those interpretations do not align with the accepted terminology in special education, making Extended School Year the correct choice.