What is the difference between and IEP and 504?

Question

I want to exit my child from Sp. Ed. but be able to modify some class work with a 504. Can I do this and what are the laws?

Answer 1

It depends on what label or condition your child has.

Let's get some definitions straight first. Modifications are changes to the curriculum. An example might be shortening the number of problems on a test or providing a text on the same topic but at a lower reading level.

Accommodations are supports put in to help the student master the same material. for example, the child has the same number of problems-but gets longer to do them or more frequent breaks. Many kids with ADHD or mild learning disabilities just have accommodations and no modifications.

Now, the IEP allows for a student to have both accommodations and modifications to the general curriculum. However, I'm not sure the504 would allow that.

IEP's cover students with disabilities which affect their learning. A child can have a placement in a regular class and have modifications and accommodations or just accommodations under an IEP.

504's cover every kid with disabilities. So the kid who is as smart as a whip, but needs physical accommodations for his wheelchair, or the kid with ADHD who's performing on grade level but needs accommodations for his behavior and attention span might all be covered under the 504.

I hope this helps. Just remember that just because your kid is Special Ed doesn't mean he or she must be served outside of the general classroom.

Answer 2

Basically an IEP and a 504 are two branches of the same tree. Both are there to give students the extra assistance they may need. Both are supported by federal law. Getting a 504 can be a bit easier as the student does not need to meet the same criteria as they would to get an IEP (generally, to get an IEP the child needs to show a certain percentage of delay or disability in a number of categories). 504s tend to be more general and can be for things ranging from ADHD to kids who have been injured and will need some adaptations to return to the class...wheelchair accessible desk, reduced writing , etc. 504s are renewed annually and in general, parents are afforded less recourse and less flexability with a 504. For examply, if your child has been recieving regularly scheduled PT, OT or speech, they would generally need to stay on an IEP to keep the frequency. Kids ona 504 may get the services far less frequently, in group settings rather than individually or on an "as needed" basis.

Before giving up the rights of an IEP, be sure that the 504 will provide the services and accomodations your child needs. Also, to get the 504, you will have to be sure your child's disability or diagnosis fits into the definition. If they have already been assesed as having IEP level needs, it may not be in your's or the child's best interest to give that up as many additional benefits...state, regional, insurance, etc...are often linked to the IEP. And giving up the IEP will not automatically entitle you to the 504.

I would request a meeting of the IEP evaluation committee..something you can do at any time...and go from there. Also, I'd read his current IEP and/or the notes from his last IEP renewal to see what they were using as the qualifying factors. It is always best to do lots of research and go into the meeting with everything possible at your fingertips. Finally, there are some really good resources out there ...your school should be able to provide you a copy of parent's rights (you probably got those as well at your last IEP meeting) that will explain the process. Good luck

Answer 3

A 504 plan is a legal document falling under the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is designed to plan a program of instructional services to assist students with special needs who are in a regular education setting. A 504 plan is not an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as is required for special education students. However, a student moving from a special education to a regular education placement could be placed under a 504 plan.