Understanding how to help students with learning differences is important in special education. Two main tools used for this are Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans. Both of these help students with disabilities, but they are quite different in what they do, who qualifies for them, and the services they provide.
IEP (Individualized Education Program): An IEP is a plan that is required by law for students who need special education services. It is made for each student under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IEP sets out specific goals and support that is tailored just for that student.
504 Plan: A 504 Plan comes from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It helps students with disabilities in public schools by removing barriers to their learning. However, it is not as detailed as an IEP.
IEP: To get an IEP, a student must meet certain conditions stated in IDEA. This includes having one or more specific disabilities like autism or learning disabilities. In the 2019-2020 school year, about 7.1 million students, or 14% of all public school students, used IEPs for special education support.
504 Plan: The rules for getting a 504 Plan are broader. A student must have a physical or mental issue that makes it hard to do important things, like learning or concentrating. It’s easier to qualify for a 504 Plan without the detailed testing needed for an IEP.
IEP: An IEP gives detailed information about the student’s learning progress and specific goals. It can include things like special teaching, speech therapy, or counseling. Schools must give a "Free Appropriate Public Education" (FAPE) to students with IEPs, which means they get the help they need to succeed.
504 Plan: A 504 Plan mainly provides help that allows students to learn alongside their classmates. This could mean changing seating arrangements, different ways to take tests, or using special technology. However, it usually does not include specialized teaching like an IEP does.
IEP: IEPs are protected by IDEA, which gives students and their families specific legal rights. This includes the right to be involved in making the IEP and to get the services described in it.
504 Plan: A 504 Plan protects students from discrimination, but it doesn’t have as many legal safeguards as an IEP. Families don’t have the same abilities to challenge school decisions made under a 504 Plan like they do with an IEP.
| Feature | IEP | 504 Plan | |-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Governing Law | IDEA | Rehabilitation Act of 1973 | | Eligibility Criteria | Specific disabilities under IDEA | A wide range of physical or mental issues | | Educational Focus | Specialized teaching | Accommodations for general education | | Development Process | Requires formal assessments | Informal, based on student needs | | Legal Protections | Strong legal rights | Protection against discrimination |
Both IEPs and 504 Plans are very important in helping students with disabilities succeed in school. Knowing the main differences between these two options helps teachers, families, and students choose the best support for their needs. As education continues to change, it’s very important that all students get the right help to do well in school.
Understanding how to help students with learning differences is important in special education. Two main tools used for this are Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans. Both of these help students with disabilities, but they are quite different in what they do, who qualifies for them, and the services they provide.
IEP (Individualized Education Program): An IEP is a plan that is required by law for students who need special education services. It is made for each student under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IEP sets out specific goals and support that is tailored just for that student.
504 Plan: A 504 Plan comes from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It helps students with disabilities in public schools by removing barriers to their learning. However, it is not as detailed as an IEP.
IEP: To get an IEP, a student must meet certain conditions stated in IDEA. This includes having one or more specific disabilities like autism or learning disabilities. In the 2019-2020 school year, about 7.1 million students, or 14% of all public school students, used IEPs for special education support.
504 Plan: The rules for getting a 504 Plan are broader. A student must have a physical or mental issue that makes it hard to do important things, like learning or concentrating. It’s easier to qualify for a 504 Plan without the detailed testing needed for an IEP.
IEP: An IEP gives detailed information about the student’s learning progress and specific goals. It can include things like special teaching, speech therapy, or counseling. Schools must give a "Free Appropriate Public Education" (FAPE) to students with IEPs, which means they get the help they need to succeed.
504 Plan: A 504 Plan mainly provides help that allows students to learn alongside their classmates. This could mean changing seating arrangements, different ways to take tests, or using special technology. However, it usually does not include specialized teaching like an IEP does.
IEP: IEPs are protected by IDEA, which gives students and their families specific legal rights. This includes the right to be involved in making the IEP and to get the services described in it.
504 Plan: A 504 Plan protects students from discrimination, but it doesn’t have as many legal safeguards as an IEP. Families don’t have the same abilities to challenge school decisions made under a 504 Plan like they do with an IEP.
| Feature | IEP | 504 Plan | |-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Governing Law | IDEA | Rehabilitation Act of 1973 | | Eligibility Criteria | Specific disabilities under IDEA | A wide range of physical or mental issues | | Educational Focus | Specialized teaching | Accommodations for general education | | Development Process | Requires formal assessments | Informal, based on student needs | | Legal Protections | Strong legal rights | Protection against discrimination |
Both IEPs and 504 Plans are very important in helping students with disabilities succeed in school. Knowing the main differences between these two options helps teachers, families, and students choose the best support for their needs. As education continues to change, it’s very important that all students get the right help to do well in school.