Anonymous wrote:Huge difference between 504 and IEP. If you can get an IEP, your kid MAY fare better in the long run. Personally, the 504 my inattentive ADHD kid had was worthless. It had all the usual wording noted above, but what he really needed was daily coaching, monitoring, organizing at school and not just rely on us to deal at home.

To get an IEP, one needs to focus on "special instruction". For an ADD/Inattentive kid who needs help "planning/outlining big assignments with the teacher" that means TEACHING the kid how to break down projects for themselves, schedule bits and pieces, and then having someone monitor the planner for completion. The "teaching" part is "special instruction" and requires an IEP. The "monitoring" of a planner is an "accommodation" which would typically only need to be put on a 504 plan.

IEPs are more enforceable than 504 plans, so there is an advantage to haven them.

Extended time on tests, unscheduled breaks, and visual aids with detailed schedule of the day to help him with organizing his work

Huge difference between 504 and IEP. If you can get an IEP, your kid MAY fare better in the long run. Personally, the 504 my inattentive ADHD kid had was worthless. It had all the usual wording noted above, but what he really needed was daily coaching, monitoring, organizing at school and not just rely on us to deal at home.

extended time on tests

I forgot to mention, extended time on tests and special test taking environment (can't remember how this is worded either).

We did not request preferential seating, only supported classes. I am not sure you can get both since everyone in the supported class is likely to need preferential seating. We have no classes in regular classrooms for my son.

This is in my son's middle school IEP:

Supported classes - small size/co-taught with either subject matter and special ed or subject matter and paraeducator
Daily assistance with completing his planner
Periodic assistance with managing his binder
Case Management
Providing him with class notes and writing guides
Possibly use of computer for testing and assignments
Communicating with me as soon as a problem arises rather than waiting until things get bad

There is also something about notifying me directly about field trips and other important events.

There are a few more things that I can't remember.

DD will be getting a 504 plan. (ADHD - inattentiveness) The inattentiveness is mild so we hope to try accommodations before medication.
SHe's going into middle so what would you ask be put in her plan?

preferential seating
planning/outlining big assignments with teacher


What else should we ask for?