IEP vs. 504

IEP vs. 504

IEP and 504 developments have strived for a better education for students with disabilities. Both of these plans can be developed and implemented by local school agencies in regards to students that have identified disabilities (Understood.org, 2014). Both of these plans are federally mandated but are categorized under two separate laws. IEP and 504 are designed to provide students with a free and appropriate education in a least restrictive environment (Davidson Institute, 2009). According to the needs of the student, these two plans serve different purposes.

            An Individualized Education Program is a program or curriculum that is different from what the peers use. This program is a specialized instruction with modifications. Students are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to utilize the IEP who have autism, emotional, specific learning disability, sensory, and other disabilities (Understood.org, 2014). Students that are covered under IDEA on an IEP are automatically covered under American with Disabilities Act Section 504 (Hubspot, 2007). Individualized Education Programs are federally funded. IEP includes disability listing, vision statement, progress impact, short-term goals, accommodations/modifications, summer services, transport needs, placement recommendation, and behavior and/or social skills plan (Hubspot, 2007). Progress reporting monitors an IEP. Whether a student qualifies for an IEP is determined at a IEP meeting by using results from standardized assessments and other informal and formal data collection. Having a unanimous agreement from a team that consists the following makes a decision on acceptance: special educator, psychologist, parent, related service provider, and a general education teacher. The committee must agree that the student’s disability falls under one of the 13 mandated categories and it interferes with the student’s education and performance (Understood.org, 2014). The Individualized Education Program is designed to create structure and monitoring of progression of a student’s education experience.

            Under Section 504 there is an equal opportunity for students with disabilities. It includes accommodations to access standard program or curriculum materials. Under Section 504, it is less discriminatory since it protects students with physical or mental impairments, which limit at least one major life activity. Section 504 falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act of the Civil Rights Law. Section 504 includes plan objectives, definitions, care and self-care details, health/medical monitoring, testing and classroom dynamics, additional contact details, communication and notification instructions, resource access, and emergency planning. It is not federally funded (Hubspot, 2007). If the student is covered under American with Disabilities Act Section 504 then they are not necessarily covered under IDEA. There is no progress reporting included. Section 504 is designed to prohibit disability discrimination (Understood.org, 2014). Section 504 is an accommodation to continuously help people with a disability through out their life experiences.

            The IEP and Section 504 are both federally mandated and require the school system to implement and adhere based on their provisions. Each state and local school agency has their own interpretations regarding how the federal laws are implemented (Understood.org, 2014). It is important to understand the similarities and differences in order to understand the best approach for the students in the classroom. It also allows teachers to provide recommendations. I believe both of these programs are designed to encourage equal education with restrictions to discrimination and other forms of bias. These programs have good intensions, but could always be modified to encourage the most out of learning for students with disabilities.

References for Essay

A Support Plan Comparison: IEP vs. 504. (2007). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/41331/file-14184103-pdf/docs/plan_comparison_iep_vs_504.pdf

Special Education Process: IEP vs. 504 Plan. (2009, January 5). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10671.aspx

The Difference Between IEPs and 504 Plans. (2014, June 27). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/504-plan/the-difference-between-ieps-and-504-plans

References for Venn Diagram

A Support Plan Comparison: IEP vs. 504. (2007). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/41331/file-14184103-pdf/docs/plan_comparison_iep_vs_504.pdf

Special Education Process: IEP vs. 504 Plan. (2009, January 5). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10671.aspx

The Difference Between IEPs and 504 Plans. (2014, June 27). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/504-plan/the-difference-between-ieps-and-504-plans

United States Department of Education. (2010, June 5). Retrieved July 15, 2015, from http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,dynamic,TopicalBrief,10,.