What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan in Arizona?
What’s the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan? First, they come from different federal statutes. IEP comes from Individuals with Disability Education Act, and the 504 plans come from section 504 of the rehabilitation act.
A 504 plan focuses more on accommodations. Students who qualify for a 504 plan can have any disability that interferes with their ability to learn within the classroom. 504 plans are valid not only during K-12 education but also in college education settings. Parents are also involved less in a 504 or plan legally. However, most schools do include parents in the 504 processes.
IEP and 13 Disabilities Listed in the IDEA Act
In IEP, however, to qualify, a student must have one of 13 disabilities listed in the IDEA act. If they don’t have one of those disabilities, unfortunately, they do not qualify for an IEP. An IEP addresses accommodations and specific services such as special education that the child may need during their education process. And parents are more involved in an IEP. Parents are also required to attend annual meetings. Parents must be notified if students are evaluated for an IEP or a 504 plan.
Lastly, IEPs are different than 504 plans. It is because IEPs have specific goals and benchmarks that students are monitored if they’re reaching those. A 504 plan just simply gives accommodations to the children within that setting. And they’re not monitored. There are no goals that they must be hitting. Both create legally binding plans. And both creations of an IEP and a 504 have multiple team members and staff at the school. As I said, most of the time, parents are involved.
Other Blog of Interest
What is Special Education Law in Arizona?
Hi, I’m Attorney Renee Osipov with Chelle Law in Scottsdale, Arizona. And today, I’m answering the question: what is special education law?
Who Benefits From the Special Education Law?
Special education law originates in the United States constitution. There are also Supreme Court case laws and federal statutes. An example is section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. There might also be state statutes or regulations addressing special education laws within your state. This large body of law mandates that any student ages 3 to 21 with a disability are provided free and appropriate public school education that provides special education. It includes any services needed to meet those students’ individual needs.
The Purpose of Special Education Law
The purpose of this is to integrate students with disabilities into society and not to segregate them in any way. At the district level, this typically looks like students can be screened or tested for certain learning disabilities. They may already have a disability diagnosed by a physician and within the school district. They receive special schooling or other services in response to their particular needs. Instructions can be given in a typical classroom setting. In place of taking notes, the students are provided a test-taking outline. They can take the test in a quiet place, with extra time, or by having the test read to them. They might be taken for things like occupational therapy. An IEP or a 504 plan may address specific discipline concerns. So, this can get a little bit overwhelming.
Contact Us if You Need Legal Services to Help With Your Assessment
There are a lot of laws out there. There are IEPs, and there are 504s. What’s the difference? It can get a little confusing and overwhelming for parents. Call us and set up a consultation, especially if you are in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area. We are happy to set up a consultation with you here at Chelle Law. We’re here to address all of your rights within special education. I was also a teacher for eight years before becoming an attorney. So, I am well versed in special education and what this looks like at the district level.
What is a 504 Plan in Arizona?
What is a 504 plan in Arizona? 504 plans fall under a federal statute, specifically, section 504 of the rehabilitation act. Schools can develop a 504 plan to give students with disabilities the support they need. 504 plans also focus more on accommodations. To create a formal 504 plan, students do not need to participate in evaluations or screening processes. And these students might not even qualify for special education.
Regular School Classroom
504 plans, as I said, focus more on accommodations, which can be within the regular classroom. This might mean accommodations to the environment. How do they present the curriculum to the students? And the list just kind of goes on from there. Whatever the student needs to participate in the classroom setting. Also, underneath the 504 plans, parents are not mandated to participate in the process. So, they might not get invited to the meetings or the creation of the 504 plans. Nevertheless, they must inform parents whether their child will participate in any kind of evaluation. If you’d like more information on this process, we’re happy to help.
What is an IEP in Arizona?
What is an IEP in Arizona? An IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. Students to be eligible to receive an IEP must attend public school or charter schools. A federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act covers IEPs.
How is IEP started?
The process of getting an IEP starts with either the parents of the student or the school district themselves. They may require or request that the student be screened or tested. After that testing process, there’s a clear picture of the student’s strengths and challenges. Once they have gathered that information, creating an IEP begins. An IEP is a legally binding document that finds all parties to the terms of the agreement. IEP addresses any programs, services, or support needed for that student or to meet any of their unique needs.
Parents can also get involved in this process. They can ask for services or an IEP, or they can ask to have their child screened. They can sit in on the annual IEP meeting. Also, they can advocate for their child regarding what services need to be provided. Also, attorneys and special education attorneys may sit in on those meetings and can advocate for parents and their children. Call us and set up a consultation, especially if you are in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area. We are happy to set up a consultation with you here at Chelle Law. We will explain your rights to not only parents but also children. And then also explain the whole IEP process. If you also disagree with the school district’s findings or the programs they have put in place. You also have rights underneath federal law to fight the findings from the school.
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IEPs, School Discipline, Hearings and more!
