IEP vs 504 Plan

So far my only teaching experience has been long term subbing at Edgewood High School. I subbed for the last month and a half of the school year, you know the end of the year when students have checked out... I digress. Before the teacher left she showed me around her room to help get me acquainted. She briefly mentioned that a few students had IEPs and 504's. BRIEFLY. I thought nothing of them. One day while going through her desk, throwing everything away, I came across the IEPs and 504 plans so I started reading them. Well, I wish I had looked at them before I was already 2 weeks in to teaching. I had several students that had IEPs that required for them to have notes printed out for them before class (oops), one student needed access to a computer to take notes (504 plan), and a few others needed extended time for test/quiz taking (IEP). Needless to say it would have been beneficial to read these before I started. I was able to accommodate the lessons for the rest of the year but I felt so bad that I had not known these thing previously. From this experience I feel more prepared to start at Liberty High with my new position this fall.

Works Cited:

The Difference Between IEPs and 504 Plans (Understood.org)

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/504-plan/the-difference-between-ieps-and-504-plans

The History of Special Education

My timeline:
Special Education History


The only teaching experience I have as of now is as a long-term substitute. I subbed at Edgewood High in Harford County from May to June. Before the teacher left she informed me about some of the students having IEPs. I thought nothing of it at the time (my mistake). One day I was going through papers, basically throwing everything away, and I found them. To my surprise there was a ton of information about students I had already noticed needed some additional help. A few of the kids required use of computers to take notes or preferred note handouts. One girl needed additional time on taking tests. I had no idea about any of these issues! I felt terrible. Luckily, I was able to bounce back and start making lessons more accessible for these students. 

I think my situation was unique in that I came at the end of the year just meeting these students and not having a lot of time with them. If I had started the year with them I would have been more familiar with their learning techniques and abilities. I think special education has come a long way. I remember when I was in high school that we had a program called Marillac. It provided students that had learning disabilities with additional help and study hall. Students enrolled in this program attended regular classes but at some point during their schedule they had time set aside to meet with their Marillac teacher. I am not entirely sure what they did in the program but I had a few friends that were in it and I could see that it helped them a lot. 

In my opinion there should be more funding towards special education for students enrolled in public schools. I think it would benefit students if they were able to have more one-on-one time with teachers or aids specialized in teaching/helping students with disabilities. Of course this means paying more qualified people and appointing time which costs money. Until then I find it very important that all people involved with the student be on board completely to help the student succeed to the best of his or her ability.  


Citations:

Special Education and Disability (Education Special Education and Disability Comments)

http://education.uslegal.com/special-education-and-disability/

A Historical View of Special Education (National Website)

http://www.learningrx.com/a-historical-view-of-special-education-faq.htm

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 

http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/disability/idea.aspx

IDEA (The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) 

http://www.help4adhd.org/en/education/rights/idea