All About IEP and 504 Plans

Both IEP and 504 Plans

• Both IEPs and 504 Plans come from federal laws that entitle students to free, accessible education, specifically, a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

• Protect against discrimination

• Ensure dual process hearings for resolving disputes between students, their families, and schools.

• Ensure accommodations and other special education services.

IEP Plans

• It originates in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

• It applies to students in grades K-12 with one or more of the thirteen disabilities listed in the IDEA to the extent that they require specialized instruction to learn the general education curriculum

• Special education services included in the plan:

  • Free individualized education and related services 

  • Allow families to request outside Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) by an expert

• What does the plan look like?

  A written document that sets learning goals and describes services the school provides. They must include:

  • Present levels of academic and functional performance—how the student is currently doing in school

  • Annual education goals for the student and how the school will track progress

  • The services the student will get

  • The timing of services—when they start, frequency, and duration

  • Any accommodations

  • Any modifications

  • How the student will participate in standardized tests

  • How the student will be included in general education classes and school activities

• How is the plan created and revised?

  It’s created an annual meeting where the entire IEP team is present, which must include:

  1. Student’s parent or caregiver

  2. At least one of the student’s general education teachers

  3. At least one special education teacher

  4. School psychologist or other specialist who can interpret evaluation results

  5. A district representative with authority over special education services

  The review always happens at an annual IEP team meeting. You must be re-evaluated every three years to qualify.

504 Plans

• It originates in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

• It forbids discrimination at private schools that get federal funding. 

• It applies to students in grades K-12 and college with any disability that substantially limits one or more basic life activities and negatively impacts their ability in a general education classroom. 

• Special education services are included in the plan: free services and adaptations to the learning environment so students can learn alongside their peers.

• What does the plan look like?

  There are no rules regarding format or content because 504 plans don’t have to be a written document. But plans usually include:

  1. Specific accommodations, supports, or services for the student

  2. Names of who will provide each service

  3. Name of the person who will make sure the plan happens as agreed

• How is the plan created and revised?

  Rules vary between states, but the review usually happens annually. You will have re-evaluations every three years or when needed.

References

1. Lee, A.M.I. IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA: Which laws do what. Understood. https://www.understood.org/articles/at-a-glance-which-laws-do-what

2. The Understood Team. The difference between IEPS and 504 plans. Understood. https://www.understood.org/articles/the-difference-between-ieps-and-504-plans 
   

Resources for Teachers

1. Newcomer, B. Toolkit for teachers: Navigating IEPs. Understood https://www.understood.org/articles/navigating-individualized-education-programs-ieps-your-roadmap-to-equitable-access

2. Morin, A. How to read an IEP: 5 things teachers should look for. Understood. https://www.understood.org/articles/how-to-read-an-iep-5-things-teachers-should-look-for 

3. The Understood Team. Anatomy of an IEP. Understood. https://www.understood.org/articles/at-a-glance-anatomy-of-an-iep

4. Morin, A. For teachers: What to expect in an IEP meeting. Understood. https://www.understood.org/articles/for-teachers-what-to-expect-in-an-iep-meeting

5. Morin, A. 504 plans: A guide for teachers. Understood. https://www.understood.org/articles/504-plans-a-guide-for-teachers

6. The Understood Team. 504 plan template. Understood. https://assets.ctfassets.net/p0qf7j048i0q/5MaAgBDBsmCNNazydNAayE/58002db3a8c4ac79842873937d993b08/504_Sample_Plan_Printable_ENG_D4.pdf