Have you ever wondered why some students have 504 plans and some have IEP’s (individualized education plans)? Here is what you need to know about the difference between the two plans:
504: The number comes from Section 104 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. This federal law was designed to ensure that students with disabilities have the same access to programs that receive federal funding as their non-disabled peers. This law provides accommodations and modifications a student with a disability may need to participate in education and activities. Some of these modifications include special seating, permission to record lessons, or extra time on tests or assignments. It does not, however, provide specialized (or different) instruction.
IEP: This acronym stands for individualized education plan. These plans are designed for students who have a disability that necessitates different instruction from what their peers receive. These sorts of differences may include access to specialists at school, special education, or a modified curriculum. To be eligible for an IEP, a student must have a disability that falls under one of the categories specified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In addition, it must be established that this disability interferes with the student learning the curriculum that is taught to his or her peers.
For more information: https://www.superduperinc.com/handouts/pdf/308%20504%20Plans.pdf