How is the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP described?

How is the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP described?

• A. An IEP provides special education services and individualized goals; a 504 plan provides accommodations to access learning without specialized education services.
• B. A 504 plan provides accommodations to access learning without specialized education services; an IEP provides special education services and individualized goals.
• C. An IEP is for accommodations to access learning; a 504 plan provides specialized education services and individualized goals.
• D. A 504 plan includes funding for accommodations and eligibility considerations.

Answer: (A)

The difference comes down to services versus accommodations. An IEP is a plan under IDEA that provides specialized instruction tailored to a student’s needs, plus individualized goals and progress monitoring. It may include related services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive technology, all designed to help the student make progress in the general education curriculum. A 504 plan, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, is meant to ensure equal access by providing accommodations that remove barriers to learning. It does not provide specialized instruction or individualized goals; instead, it adjusts the learning environment or instructional methods (like extended time on tests, preferential seating, or assistive devices) so the student can participate with peers. So the best description is that one plan offers specialized instruction and personalized goals, while the other offers accommodations to access learning without that specialized instruction.

The difference comes down to services versus accommodations. An IEP is a plan under IDEA that provides specialized instruction tailored to a student’s needs, plus individualized goals and progress monitoring. It may include related services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive technology, all designed to help the student make progress in the general education curriculum.

A 504 plan, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, is meant to ensure equal access by providing accommodations that remove barriers to learning. It does not provide specialized instruction or individualized goals; instead, it adjusts the learning environment or instructional methods (like extended time on tests, preferential seating, or assistive devices) so the student can participate with peers.

So the best description is that one plan offers specialized instruction and personalized goals, while the other offers accommodations to access learning without that specialized instruction.