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Lesson 5.1: Understanding Different Abilities and IEPs

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Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans

  • Understanding IEPs: Follow the accommodations and modifications outlined in IEPs and 504 plans.
  • Differentiation: Tailor instruction to meet the needs of all students.
  • Collaboration: Work with special education staff for additional support.

Every student is unique, and some students have special needs that require additional support. As a substitute teacher, it’s essential to understand and accommodate these differences.

Types of Special Needs You Might Encounter

  • Intellectual disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, ADHD)
  • Physical disabilities
  • Neurodiversity, such as being on the autism spectrum
  • Speech or language impairments
  • Emotional or behavioral disorders

Having a disability doesn’t mean a student can’t learn; it means they might learn differently or need extra help.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Students with special needs often have an Individualized Education Program or IEP, which is a plan outlining their learning goals and necessary support services. When you are assigned a class, ask if any student has an IEP and if specific services are needed for the day’s lessons. For instance, if a student requires extra time for tests but no test is scheduled, IEP services may not apply for that day.

Key Things to Know About IEPs

  • IEPs are legally binding documents.
  • They are created by a team, including teachers, parents, and specialists.
  • They list specific accommodations or modifications required by the student.
  • As a substitute, follow any IEP instructions left by the regular teacher.

504 Plans

  • A 504 Plan is governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a federal civil rights law that prevents disability-based discrimination.
  • Purpose: It ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to education, focusing on accommodations to help them succeed in a general education setting.

A 504 Plan is for students needing accommodations to access the general curriculum, while an IEP is for students requiring specialized instruction to support their learning progress.

Privacy: Both IEPs and 504 plans are confidential. Only discuss them with other educators who need to know.