Which statement best describes the relationship between an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 Plan?

Which statement best describes the relationship between an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 Plan?

• A. An IEP includes specialized instruction; a 504 Plan provides accommodations only.
• B. A 504 Plan requires specialized instruction; an IEP provides only accommodations.
• C. Both plans require the student to receive private tutoring.
• D. A 504 Plan is only for students with physical disabilities.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is the difference between specialized instruction and accommodations. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is for students who need specialized instruction as part of special education under IDEA; it creates an individualized plan with goals, services, and supports designed to address the student’s unique learning needs. A 504 Plan, under the Rehabilitation Act, provides accommodations and supports to help a student access the general education curriculum, removing barriers rather than delivering specialized instruction. It may include related services, but it does not provide the specialized instruction that characterizes an IEP. Therefore, describing the IEP as including specialized instruction and the 504 Plan as providing accommodations best captures how these two plans differ in purpose and what they deliver.

The key idea is the difference between specialized instruction and accommodations. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is for students who need specialized instruction as part of special education under IDEA; it creates an individualized plan with goals, services, and supports designed to address the student’s unique learning needs. A 504 Plan, under the Rehabilitation Act, provides accommodations and supports to help a student access the general education curriculum, removing barriers rather than delivering specialized instruction. It may include related services, but it does not provide the specialized instruction that characterizes an IEP. Therefore, describing the IEP as including specialized instruction and the 504 Plan as providing accommodations best captures how these two plans differ in purpose and what they deliver.