Lesson Script: IEP vs. 504

Warm-Up: What Do You Know? (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome. As new educators, you're stepping into a role where you'll support a wide range of students, each with unique strengths and needs. Two terms you've likely heard, or will definitely hear, are 'IEP' and '504 plan.' To get us started, I'd love for each of you to share just one thing you've heard, or one question you have, about either an IEP or a 504 plan. Don't worry about being correct, just share what comes to mind."

(Allow 2-3 educators to share. Acknowledge their responses and connect them to the session's objectives.)

(Teacher): "Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your initial thoughts. It sounds like there's a mix of familiarity and curiosity, which is perfect. Today, we're going to demystify these plans, understand their differences, and clarify your crucial role in supporting students who have them."

Introduction to Special Education Frameworks (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Let's dive in. (Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 1) Our goal today is to equip you with the knowledge you need to confidently support every student. (Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 2) Why is this so important? Because every student deserves success, and we, as educators, are fundamental to making that happen.

"The landscape of supporting diverse learners is guided by two main legal frameworks: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. While they both aim to ensure equity, they do so with different definitions and requirements. Think of them as two different pathways to the same destination: ensuring all students can learn and thrive.

"(Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 3) And what is that destination? It's what we call FAPE: a Free Appropriate Public Education. This means that every student, regardless of disability, has the right to an education that is provided at public expense, meets state standards, and is appropriate to their unique needs. Both IEPs and 504 plans are tools to help us deliver FAPE, but they address different aspects of a student's needs."

Deep Dive: What is an IEP? (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Let's start our deep dive with IEPs. (Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 4) An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legal document specifically for students with disabilities that fall under IDEA. The key here is that the disability must impact their educational performance and require special education services.

"So, if a student has one of the 13 specific disabilities listed under IDEA, and that disability means they need specialized instruction to access their education, an IEP is the path. It focuses on providing specialized instruction and related services, like speech therapy or occupational therapy, to help them meet their educational goals.

"(Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 5) What actually goes into an IEP? It's a comprehensive document. Some key components include: their Present Levels of performance, measurable Annual Goals – often called SMART goals because they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It outlines the Special Education and Related Services they will receive, any necessary Accommodations & Modifications, their Placement in the Least Restrictive Environment, and for older students, Transition Services to prepare them for post-secondary life. And, crucially, it details how their Progress will be measured.

"(Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 6) Who builds this comprehensive plan? It's a team effort! The IEP Team typically includes parents or guardians, you as the general education teacher, a special education teacher, a district representative, someone who can interpret evaluation results, and sometimes the student themselves. The team works together to determine eligibility, develop the plan, and review progress annually. You'll find a summary of these details in your Quick Guide: IEP & 504.

"(Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 7) Now, what about your role, the general education teacher? It is absolutely vital! You are expected to implement the accommodations and modifications outlined in the IEP. You'll collaborate closely with special education teachers and specialists. You'll help monitor the student's progress towards their goals, and communicate with the IEP team and parents. Your input on how a student is performing in the general education setting is invaluable to the team."

Deep Dive: What is a 504 Plan? (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Let's shift our focus to 504 plans. (Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 8) A 504 Plan is a legal document derived from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. It's for students with a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This definition of disability is broader than IDEA's. Major life activities can include things like learning, concentrating, breathing, walking, seeing, hearing, and more.

"The key distinction here is that while the student has a disability that impacts them, they do not require special education services as defined by IDEA. Instead, the 504 plan focuses on providing accommodations to ensure they have equal access to the same educational opportunities as their peers. It's about leveling the playing field so the disability doesn't prevent them from accessing general education.

"(Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 9) What are the components of a 504 plan? Generally, it's less extensive than an IEP. It will include an evaluation documenting the disability and how it substantially limits a major life activity, a clear list of accommodations needed, who is responsible for implementing these, and a plan for periodic review. Again, refer to your Quick Guide: IEP & 504 for a helpful comparison chart of IEPs and 504s.

"(Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 10) Your role with 504 plans is equally important. You must implement the approved accommodations consistently. This might mean providing extended time on tests, preferential seating, or modified assignments. You'll also communicate with the 504 team if you notice the accommodations aren't effective or if there are new needs, and document the implementation as required by your school."

Scenario Activity & Discussion (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Alright, time to put your thinking caps on! (Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 11) I'm going to present a scenario, and I want you to consider if the student would typically qualify for an IEP or a 504 plan, and more importantly, why. You can discuss with a partner or just think quietly for a moment.

"(Scenario): Sarah has severe asthma. While she is bright and performs well academically, she frequently misses class due to asthma attacks and needs an inhaler readily available. Her physical activity is limited, and she sometimes needs to rest during PE. Her grades are not impacted, but her health condition requires specific considerations to access school activities equally.

"(Teacher): "Take about a minute to think. IEP or 504? And what's your reasoning?"

(Allow time for thought or brief discussion.)

(Teacher): "Okay, let's hear some thoughts. What do you think?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion. Guide them towards the correct answer if needed.)

(Teacher): "(Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 12) The answer for Sarah is typically a 504 Plan. Her asthma is a physical impairment that substantially limits a major life activity – breathing and participating in activities. She needs accommodations to ensure equal access to school, like having her inhaler, but her academic performance isn't impacted to the point of needing specialized instruction. This is a classic example of when a 504 plan steps in to provide that equal access."

Cool-Down & Q&A (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Excellent work, everyone! (Advance to IEP vs. 504: Educator's Guide Slide Deck - Slide 13) To wrap up, let's review the key differences. Remember: IEP equals Special Education Services under IDEA, addressing academic impact with specialized instruction. 504 equals Accommodations for Equal Access under Section 504, addressing disabilities that substantially limit major life activities. Both are about ensuring FAPE for our students, and your role as an educator is vital in implementing both types of plans.

"Before we conclude, I'd like each of you to reflect for a moment and identify one big takeaway from today's session. It could be something new you learned, a clarification, or an action you'll take. Feel free to share it with the person next to you, or write it down."

(Allow a minute for reflection/sharing.)

(Teacher): "Thank you all for your engagement today. Please remember to keep your Quick Guide: IEP & 504 handy as a quick reference. Do we have any final questions before we wrap up?"

(Address any remaining questions.)

(Teacher): "Great! You are now better equipped to understand and support your students with IEPs and 504 plans. Thank you!"

Warm Up: Initial Thoughts on IEPs & 504s

Welcome, new educators! Before we dive into the specifics, let's tap into our existing knowledge and curiosity.

Instructions: In the space below, briefly write down one thing you have heard about an IEP or a 504 plan, or one question you have about either of them. Don't worry about being correct – this is just to get us thinking!

Cool Down: One Big Takeaway

Thank you for your engagement today! As we wrap up our session on IEPs and 504 plans, take a moment to reflect on what we've covered.

Instructions: What is one key takeaway, new understanding, or action item you will remember from today's lesson about IEPs and 504 plans? Write it down below.

Quick Guide: IEP & 504 Plans for New Educators

Welcome to the vital world of supporting diverse learners! This guide provides a quick reference to help you understand the core differences and your role in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.

What is FAPE? The Goal for All Students!

Both IEPs and 504 Plans aim to ensure that all students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This means every student, regardless of disability, has the right to an education that is:

• Provided at public expense.
• Meets state standards.
• Appropriate to their unique needs.

IEP (Individualized Education Program)

An IEP is a legally binding document developed for students with disabilities who require special education and related services to access their education. It falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Key Characteristics:

• Governing Law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Eligibility: Student has one of 13 specific disabilities (e.g., Autism, Specific Learning Disability, Emotional Disturbance) that adversely affects their educational performance and requires special education services.
• Focus: Provides specialized instruction and related services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy) tailored to the student's unique learning needs.
• Document: Detailed, comprehensive plan outlining specific goals, services, and how progress will be measured.

Key Components of an IEP:

1. Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP): How the student is currently doing.
2. Annual Goals: Measurable goals the student is expected to achieve in a year.
3. Special Education and Related Services: Specific services provided, by whom, and for how long.
4. Accommodations & Modifications: Changes to how a student learns (accommodations) or what a student learns (modifications).
5. Placement: Where services are provided (Least Restrictive Environment - LRE).
6. Transition Services: (For students 16+) Plans for life after high school.
7. Measuring Progress: How the school will track and report progress towards goals.

Your Role as a General Education Teacher with an IEP:

• Implement all designated accommodations and modifications.
• Collaborate with the special education teacher and other service providers.
• Monitor the student's progress and provide data/feedback to the IEP team.
• Attend IEP meetings and provide valuable input on the student's performance in your classroom.

504 Plan

A 504 Plan is a legally binding document developed for students with disabilities who do not qualify for special education under IDEA but require accommodations to have equal access to the general education curriculum. It falls under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Key Characteristics:

• Governing Law: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Eligibility: Student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., learning, breathing, walking, concentrating, caring for oneself). The disability does not need to impact academic performance directly, nor does it require special education services.
• Focus: Provides accommodations to ensure equal access to education. It is about removing barriers, not specialized instruction.
• Document: Typically less comprehensive than an IEP, focusing primarily on a list of necessary accommodations.

Key Components of a 504 Plan:

1. Documentation of Disability: Evidence of an impairment and how it limits a major life activity.
2. List of Accommodations: Specific adjustments (e.g., preferential seating, extended time, modified testing procedures).
3. Identification of Personnel: Who is responsible for implementing and overseeing the plan.
4. Periodic Review: Plans for reviewing the effectiveness of accommodations and the student's needs.

Your Role as a General Education Teacher with a 504 Plan:

• Consistently implement all approved accommodations.
• Communicate with the 504 coordinator or team if accommodations are not effective or if new needs arise.
• Document implementation as required by your school or district.

IEP vs. 504: Quick Comparison

This guide is a starting point. Always refer to the specific IEP or 504 Plan for each student, and collaborate with your school's special education and 504 teams for guidance! Your dedication makes a difference!