Commonly referred to as an IEP, an individualized education program is a written plan that is designed for any student who receives special education and related services. IEPs are required for every special education student under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. The IEP describes the goals that are set for the student over the course of the school year and spells out any special supports needed to help achieve those goals. Parents/guardians are an important part of the IEP process.
Both students with IEPs and students with 504 plans have a documented disability or impairment. For students with an IEP, their disability has an adverse impact on their educational performance that requires the provision of specially designed instruction. Students with 504 plans have a documented physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. The major life activity may or may not be directly related to learning (i.e., a physical impairment that impacts mobility, but not learning). Students with 504 plans require targeted accommodations so they are able to access their educational program to the same extent as their non-disabled peers. Both processes require an evaluation by a team prior to eligibility. Students referred for a 504 evaluation may first be referred for a Special Education evaluation if it is suspected that they may have a disability that would qualify them for an IEP.
