IEP vs 504 Comparison Chart

Complete the table below by comparing key aspects of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a Section 504 Plan. Use this chart as a reference for understanding differences and similarities.

Notes & Reflections:

1. What stands out to you as the most significant difference between IEPs and 504 Plans?

1. How might these differences influence your collaboration with teachers and parents?

1. Identify one challenge you anticipate when determining eligibility, and propose a solution.

Collaboration Strategies Guide

Use this guide to plan and facilitate effective collaboration among IEP and 504 teams. Complete each section to tailor strategies to your school context.

1. Key Principles of Effective Collaboration

• Establish clear roles and responsibilities for all team members
• Communicate early and often using agreed-upon channels
• Use data to drive decisions and monitor progress
• Foster a strengths-based, student-centered approach
• Build trust through transparency and follow-through

2. Team Meeting Agenda Template

Date: ____________________



Time: ____________________



Location: ________________

Participants (Name & Role):

2. ______________________________



3. ______________________________

Purpose:

Agenda Items:

1. Welcome & introductions

   • ---

2. Review of student data & progress

   • ---

3. Discussion of needs & proposed supports

   • ---

4. Action items & next steps

   • ---

5. Questions & closing

   • ---

Action Items

Next Meeting: ____________________

3. Communication Checklist

Before the meeting:

• Send agenda and supporting documents at least 3 days in advance
• Confirm attendance with all required team members
• Arrange for interpreters or assistive technology as needed

During the meeting:

• Use inclusive language and define all acronyms
• Ensure each voice (parent, teacher, specialist) is heard
• Record decisions, rationale, and action items clearly

After the meeting:

• Distribute meeting minutes and action-item list within 2 days
• Assign follow-up tasks and deadlines
• Schedule the next meeting and share date with participants

4. Identifying Barriers & Solutions

Barrier 1:




Proposed Solution:

Barrier 2:




Proposed Solution:

Barrier 3:




Proposed Solution:

5. Reflection & Action Plan

1. Which collaboration strategy will you implement first, and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Who will you involve to support this strategy (name and role)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What is your timeline for implementation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How will you measure success and follow up?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Next Steps:

6. Tips for Collaborating with Principals & Teachers

With Principals:

• Invite principals early to set mutual goals and priorities.
  
• Share concise data summaries and success stories to demonstrate impact.
  
• Align IEP/504 objectives with school improvement plans.
  
• Schedule brief check-ins before major meetings to secure buy-in.
  

With Teachers:

• Co-plan accommodations and instructional strategies collaboratively.
  
• Provide ready-to-use tools (e.g., visual supports, checklists) to ease implementation.
  
• Offer quick professional learning moments during staff meetings.
  
• Set up regular feedback loops (e.g., weekly emails, shared logs).
  

Reflection:

1. Which tip will you try first?
   
   
   
2. Whom will you approach to start this collaboration?
   
   
   
3. What resources or information will you share?
   
   
   

End of Collaboration Strategies Guide

Feedback and Reflection Form

Thank you for participating in today’s workshop. Your feedback will help us improve and ensure future sessions meet your needs.

I. Please rate your agreement with the following statements (circle one):

1. The workshop objectives were clearly communicated.
   1 2 3 4 5
2. The content was relevant to my role as a school counselor.
   1 2 3 4 5
3. The materials (handouts, slide deck) supported my learning.
   1 2 3 4 5
4. The facilitator encouraged participation and discussion.
   1 2 3 4 5
5. The pace and timing of activities were appropriate.
   1 2 3 4 5

II. Reflection Questions

1. Which segment of the workshop did you find most valuable, and why?

1. What is one strategy or insight you will implement at your school, and what will be your first step?

1. What challenges or barriers do you anticipate when applying this knowledge, and how might you address them?

1. Do you have suggestions for improving future sessions on IEPs and 504 Plans?

1. Additional comments or feedback:

Facilitator Script: Understanding IEPs & 504s

Introduction & Objectives (10 minutes)

1. Welcome & Framing
   • “Good morning, everyone. Welcome to our professional development workshop on Understanding IEPs & 504s. I’m [Facilitator Name], and I’m excited to explore best practices with you today.”
   • “We have 1½ hours together. Please find a comfortable seat and make sure you have the following materials in front of you:
     • Slide Deck: Understanding IEPs & 504s on the screen
     • Legal Framework Overview Handout
     • IEP vs 504 Comparison Chart
     • Case Study Packet: Student Scenarios
     • Collaboration Strategies Guide
     • Feedback and Reflection Form”
2. Agenda Walk-Through
   • Display slide 2 (Agenda).
   • “Here’s our roadmap for today:
     • Introduction & Objectives
     • Legal Framework Overview
     • Eligibility Criteria & Comparison
     • Case Study Activity
     • Collaboration Strategies
     • Reflection & Assessment”
   • “Does anyone have a scheduling conflict or a question before we dive in?”
3. Learning Objectives
   • Display slide 3 (Learning Objectives).
   • “By the end of this session, you will be able to:
     1. Define key terms and legal foundations of IEPs and 504 plans.
     2. Distinguish eligibility criteria and plan components.
     3. Apply a side-by-side comparison to real scenarios.
     4. Identify collaboration strategies to support students.”
   • “Keep these objectives in mind, and feel free to refer back to them as we move forward.”

Legal Framework Overview (15 minutes)

1. IDEA Foundations
   • Display slide 4 (Legal Framework: IDEA).
   • “Please open your Legal Framework Overview Handout to page 1. IDEA guarantees a Free Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment. Key requirements include IEP development, procedural safeguards, and specialized instruction.”
   • Prompt: “Which procedural safeguard under IDEA do you find most critical, and why?”
     • Pause for 2–3 responses.
2. Section 504 Essentials
   • Display slide 5 (Legal Framework: Section 504).
   • “Flip to page 2 of the handout. Section 504 is a civil-rights statute. It prohibits disability discrimination and ensures access through accommodations, but does not require specialized instruction.”
   • Prompt: “Can someone share an example of an accommodation you’ve implemented under a 504 Plan?”
3. Compare Frameworks
   • Display slide 6 (Key Differences: IDEA vs Section 504).
   • “Notice the core contrasts: eligibility thresholds, service types, and legal bases. Understanding these differences is essential for compliance.”
   • Check for Understanding: “Any questions before we move to criteria and comparison?”

Eligibility Criteria & Comparison (15 minutes)

1. Eligibility Overview
   • Display slide 7 (Eligibility Criteria Overview).
   • “IEPs require a disability category and adverse educational impact. 504 Plans cover any impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.”
2. Side-by-Side Chart
   • Display slide 8 (IEP vs 504 Comparison Chart).
   • “Now, locate your IEP vs 504 Comparison Chart. Let’s review each row together.”
   • Walk through: Legal basis, team members, plan components, timelines, safeguards.
   • Prompt: “What stands out as the most significant difference between IEPs and 504 Plans?”
3. Q&A
   • “What questions do you have about distinguishing eligibility or plan components?”

Case Study Group Activity (25 minutes)

1. Instructions
   • Display slide 9 (Case Study: Instructions).
   • “We’ll now work in groups of 3–4. Distribute your Case Study Packet: Student Scenarios. For each scenario, decide: IEP or 504 Plan? Justify your choice with legal criteria and practical needs. You have 20 minutes.”
   • “Appoint one note-taker and one spokesperson in your group.”
2. Example Modeling
   • Display slide 10 (Case Study: Example Scenario).
   • “Here’s Student A, with dyslexia and unsuccessful reading interventions. You’d recommend an IEP with specialized instruction and accommodations.”
3. Group Work (20 minutes)
   • Circulate and prompt:
     • “How did you decide for Student B?”
     • “What evidence supports a 504 for Student C?”
4. Group Reporting
   • “Let’s return to plenary. Each group, please share your most compelling rationale for one scenario (2 minutes each).”

Collaboration Strategies Discussion (15 minutes)

1. Strategy Overview
   • Display slide 11 (Collaboration Strategies).
   • “Effective collaboration ensures our plans are implemented smoothly. Early engagement, clear roles, data use, and student-centered discussions are key.”
2. Best Practices
   • Display slide 12 (Best Practices for Collaboration).
   • “Please review your Collaboration Strategies Guide. Note the agenda template and communication checklist.”
   • Prompt: “Which tip will you implement immediately in your school context?”
3. Barriers & Solutions
   • Display slide 13 (Common Barriers & Solutions).
   • “Let’s brainstorm: What barriers have you encountered in team meetings, and how did you address them?”
   • Record responses on chart paper or whiteboard.

Reflection & Assessment (10 minutes)

1. Personal Reflection
   • Display slide 14 (Reflection & Assessment).
   • “Take 5 minutes to complete the Feedback and Reflection Form. Specifically, reflect on one insight you’ll apply and any lingering questions.”
   • Pair-Share: “Turn to your neighbor and share one strategy you plan to use.”
2. Feedback Collection
   • Circulate to collect forms and answer quick clarifications.

Closing & Next Steps (5 minutes)

1. Summary & Resources
   • Display slide 15 (Resources, Next Steps & Thank You).
   • “Today we defined IEPs and 504 Plans, compared criteria, practiced case analysis, and explored collaboration strategies. Additional resources include IDEA and Section 504 official websites and your state’s guidance.”
2. Next Steps
   • “Schedule a follow-up meeting with your school team to review existing plans. Use the templates in your Collaboration Strategies Guide to streamline your next meeting.”
3. Thank You & Contact
   • “Thank you for your thoughtful participation. Please feel free to contact me at [email address] with any questions or to request further support.”
   • “Enjoy the rest of your day!”