Which statement differentiates a 504 plan from an IEP?

Which statement differentiates a 504 plan from an IEP?

• A. A 504 plan provides special education services; an IEP provides only accommodations.
• B. An IEP is designed to provide general education with no special services.
• C. A 504 plan provides limited accommodations to access general education.
• D. An IEP provides special education services and goals; a 504 plan provides accommodations to access general education.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that IEPs are designed for students who need specialized instruction and measurable goals, while 504 plans are designed to ensure access to general education through accommodations. An IEP outlines specific special education services, related services, and annual goals with progress monitoring. A 504 plan provides accommodations and supports so the student can participate in general education but does not typically include specialized instruction or formal goals. So, the statement that an IEP provides special education services and goals, while a 504 plan provides accommodations to access general education, captures the essential distinction. The other options mischaracterize what each plan provides: one incorrectly assigns special education to the 504 plan or suggests the IEP offers only general education, and another implies only limited accommodations, which misses the core difference in services versus accommodations and goals.

The main idea is that IEPs are designed for students who need specialized instruction and measurable goals, while 504 plans are designed to ensure access to general education through accommodations. An IEP outlines specific special education services, related services, and annual goals with progress monitoring. A 504 plan provides accommodations and supports so the student can participate in general education but does not typically include specialized instruction or formal goals.

So, the statement that an IEP provides special education services and goals, while a 504 plan provides accommodations to access general education, captures the essential distinction. The other options mischaracterize what each plan provides: one incorrectly assigns special education to the 504 plan or suggests the IEP offers only general education, and another implies only limited accommodations, which misses the core difference in services versus accommodations and goals.