The Difference in an IEP and a 504

The Difference in an IEP and a 504

Basic Description

• IEP: A blueprint or plan for a child’s special education experience at school

• 504: A blueprint or plan for how the school will provide support and remove barriers for a student with a disability.

Multiple Choice

Which plan is specifically designed for special education students?

• IEP

• 504

• Both

• Neither

What Law Applies?

• IEP: Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

• 504: Section 504 of the Rehabilitiation Act of 1973

Who Is Eligible?

• IEP: Students who meet the two requirements for special education services (have a disability covered under IDEA and have that disability affect their ability to succeed in the general curriculum of the school)

• 504: Have ANY disability that interferes with learning, reading, communicating, or thinking.

Multiple Choice

Which plan is broader and easier to qualify for?

• IEP

• 504

• Both

• Neither

Who Creates the Plan?

• IEP: specific people required by law, including parent, general ed teacher, special ed teacher, school administrator

• 504: group of people who know the student well enough to help him/her, like classroom teachers, parents, counselors, etc.

Multiple Choice

Which plan requires a specific list of people to be involved in creating it?

• IEP

• 504

• Both

• Neither

What Does the Plan Contain?

• IEP: specific list of elements required by law, including current status, goals, markers for progress, accommodations, modifications, placement (regular or special classroom), etc.

• 504: list of accommodations to help the student succeed in the general ed classroom

Multiple Choice

Which type of plan contains annual learning goals and objectives?

• IEP

• 504

• Both

• Neither

Funding/Costs

• IEP: states get extra money to help school provide services for special education students

• 504: no extra funds provided to schools, but schools can lose other funding if they don't provide services. IDEA money cannot be used for 504 services.

Multiple Choice

Which plan does NOT get money from the government to help with?

• IEP

• 504

• Both

• Neither