teaching students with special needs

Understanding the IEP and 504 Plan

“Individualized Education Program”

Required by Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) for every student meeting requirements for special education

Must be designed to provide the child with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

“IEP” refers both to the educational program to be provided AND the written document that describes that program.

“504” refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Section 504: “no one with a disability can be excluded from

participating in federally funded programs” “Disability” refers to a “physical or mental impairment

which substantially limits one or more major life activities”. Can include physical impairment; illness or injury;

communicable disease; chronic conditions like asthma, allergies, and diabetes; learning problems

A 504 Plan spells out the modifications and accommodations that will be needed for these students to have an opportunity to perform at the same level as their peers. (Examples: wheelchair ramp, blood sugar monitoring, extra set of textbooks, peanut-free lunch environment, home instruction, tape recorder, keyboard)

IEP

Falls under IDEA

Provides educational services

Small subset of all persons with disabilities (only certain classifications)

Often require significant assistance

Falls under ADA

Removes barriers to participation

Anyone with a disability as defined by the law

Require a level playing field

504 Plan

How does a teacher in your assigned school(s) find out if a student has an IEP and/or 504 Plan?

With whom in the school setting can you communicate and collaborate in order to best meet the needs of these students?