Difference Between IEP and 504 Plans
As a parent or guardian of a student with a disability, you may have heard terms such as IEP and 504 thrown around by educators and administrators. While both plans are designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school, they differ in their approach and coverage.
IEP: Individualized Education Program
An Individualized Education Program, or IEP for short, is a comprehensive plan created specifically for each student with a disability. The IEP is designed to provide specialized instruction and support that enables the student to make progress towards their academic goals. The IEP covers all areas of the student’s learning experience, including their academic needs, as well as any social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
The IEP team is typically made up of parents or guardians, educators, school administrators, and other professionals who work together to create a personalized plan that meets the unique needs of the student. The plan outlines the student’s strengths, challenges, and goals, and it includes specific strategies and accommodations that the school will implement to help the student succeed.
504 Plan
A 504 Plan is named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. A 504 Plan is designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive accommodations and modifications that remove barriers to learning, but it does not offer the same level of comprehensive support as an IEP.
A 504 Plan may include accommodations such as preferential seating, extra time on tests, or the use of assistive technology, but it does not provide the same level of individualized instruction that is included in an IEP.
The 504 Plan is less detailed and less comprehensive than the IEP, and it does not require regular progress reports or annual reviews. However, it does require that the school provide appropriate accommodations and modifications to ensure that the student can access the same educational opportunities as their peers.
Key Differences
– An IEP is a comprehensive, personalized plan designed to provide individualized instruction and support, while a 504 Plan provides accommodations and modifications to address barriers to learning.
– An IEP requires regular progress reports and annual reviews, while a 504 Plan does not.
– An IEP covers all areas of a student’s learning experience, while a 504 Plan focuses on removing barriers to learning.
In conclusion, both IEP and 504 plans are designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school. However, the IEP provides more comprehensive, individualized support, while the 504 Plan focuses on removing barriers to learning. Parents and guardians can work with educators and school administrators to determine which plan is best for their child’s needs.
Table difference between iep and 504
| IEP | 504 Plan |
|---|---|
| Individualized Education Plan | Section 504 Plan |
| For students with special educational needs that impact their academic progress | For students with disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity, including learning |
| Developed by a student’s IEP team, which includes teachers, parents, and other specialists | Developed by a Section 504 team, which includes the student’s teacher, parents, and other school staff |
| Provides an individualized program designed to meet a student’s unique needs, including academic, social, and behavioral concerns | Provides accommodations and modifications to ensure equal access and opportunity to educational programs and services |
| Governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) | Governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 |
| Requires regular progress reporting and annual review of the plan | Requires periodic review and reevaluation |