Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans
The IEP Team
By: National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
The IEP guides the delivery of special education and related services and supplementary aids and supports for the child with a disability. Without a doubt, writing and implementing an effective IEP requires teamwork. So, who's on the team?
Top Ten Questions To Ask At An IEP Meeting
Special Education Advisor
How to Read an IEP
National Center for Learning Disabilities
Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004
Sec. 300.324 Development, review, and revision of IEP. From the U.S. Dept. of Education.
Massachusetts Department of Education: Special Education
Documents, Forms and Notices, Parents Notice of Procedural Safeguards
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: Resolving Disputes between Parents and Schools
While it is expected that parents and school personnel will work in partnership to ensure children with disabilities are provided appropriate services, there are times when the child’s parents and school officials cannot reach consensus on what constitutes a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for an individual child. When such disagreements occur, parents and school districts can turn to IDEA’s procedural safeguards and dispute resolution options.
Q&A on IEPs, Evaluations and Reevaluations, revised June 2010
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has issued a revised Q&A document to provide states, state education agencies (SEAs), local education agencies (LEAs), parents and other stakeholders with information regarding the IDEA requirements related to individualized education programs (IEPs), evaluations and reevaluations.
Wrightslaw
Wrightslaw is a definitive source for special education legal information. You'll find articles, law and regulations, and tips about how to get quality services in your child's IEP on this site. You'll also learn how to use tactics and strategies to negotiate with the school. Includes IEP cases, recommended books, and free publications about IEPs.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: All About the IEP
Articles include information on what IDEA requires, what information a typical IEP contains, how IEPs are developed, and what types of considerations, discussions, and decisions must be made by the IEP team.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: Related Services
Related services help children with disabilities benefit from their special education by providing extra help and support in needed areas, such as speaking or moving.
Assistive Technology Devices and Services
Wrightslaw website: IDEA 2004 requires IEP teams to consider the assistive technology needs of all children with disabilities. (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)(3)(B)(v)).
LD Online
Includes many articles about how to create a useful IEP, understanding the IEP process, and the importance of good communication.
Tips for Planning an IEP with a Vision Toward College
From the Federation for Children with Special Needs
IEP GOALS: Examples and help with writing IEP Goals
IEP Goals and Objectives Bank
Goals and objectives for you to familiarize yourself with for your child's IEP. Topics include: English, Functional Academics, Independent Living, Mathematics, Mathematics Readiness, Motor, Recreation and Leisure, Self-management and Daily Living, Social Emotional, Speech and Language, Study Skills, and Vocational/Career Education.
What You Need to Know About IDEA 2004: Present Levels of Functional Performance & Functional Goals in IEPs
by Pat Howey, Paralegal and Advocate
You need to learn the new legal requirements for present levels of functional performance and functional goals in IEPs. Do not assume that your child's IEP team is knowledgeable about these requirements.
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities: Guide to Education Planning
Because your child with learning disabilities learns differently, educational programs must be tailored to his or her specific needs. That’s the purpose of the IEP. Developed with input from you and your child’s team, it is a blueprint for your child’s education that will allow you to measure and monitor progress along the way.
Objectives for Behavioral Goals
Help with writing positive behavioral goals.
Section 504 Plans
504 Plan vs. IEP
Comparison of the two education plans
LD OnLine: Understanding the Differences Between IDEA and Section 504
An overview of IDEA and Section 504
IEP vs. 504 Plan
The website for the Federation of Children with Special Needs.
Section 504 and IDEA Comparison Chart
From the Education.com website
IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and American with Disabilities Act
This is a publication for parents explaining the differences between IDEA, Section 504 and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). This site helps parents to find services and supports as identified under the law.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This website provides information about the differences in these two pieces of legislations and the rights and protections of students with disabilities.
Program Quality Assurance (PQA)
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education may be contacted regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act concerning rights of covered students, ages 3-22, through its complaint management programs administered by the Program Quality Assurance (PQA) Unit.
United States, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
The federal government has general responsibility for overseeing compliance (technical assistance and enforcement) of Section 504 and the ADA. For matters involving the enforcement of civil rights in education environments (for persons of any age, including colleges/universities and adult education), contact:
Office for Civil Rights, New England Office
U.S. Department of Education
33 Arch Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02110-1491
Telephone: 617-289-0111
TDD: 877-521-2172
Email: OCR.Boston@ed.gov