Special Education vs. Section 504: Understanding the Key Differences

Section 504SPED

Nov 16

When a child has a disability that affects their learning, Special Education and Section 504 services are two critical support systems that can provide the necessary accommodations and assistance. While both services aim to help students succeed in school, they operate under different legal frameworks and serve different purposes. Understanding the distinctions between these two options is crucial in ensuring your child receives the appropriate support for their needs.

What is Special Education?

Special Education refers to specially designed instruction (SDI) provided to students with disabilities at no cost in the public school system (IDEA 2017). Students who qualify for Special Education will have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which includes specific goals, objectives, accommodations, and possible modifications to the general curriculum.

Support services under Special Education may include:

Resource support: A dedicated Special Education teacher provides either in-class support or targeted academic help outside the general education classroom.
Self-contained or behavioral units: Depending on a student’s needs, they may be placed in specialized classrooms for more intensive support.
Additional therapies: Services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy may also be included in the plan.

What is Section 504?

Section 504 refers to a section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that ensures students with disabilities receive accommodations in the general education setting at no cost. Unlike Special Education, Section 504 does not change the curriculum but provides the necessary accommodations to help students access and succeed in the general education environment.

For example, accommodations might include:

Extra time on tests
Seating arrangements that minimize distractions
Assistive technology like speech-to-textHow does my child qualify as a student with a disability?

A child who is suspected of having a disability can be referred for an evaluation at the school by a staff member or by a parent/guardian at any time. You can also opt to have the evaluation conducted by a medical professional or an outside agency that specializes in conducting Psychoeducational or Psychological Evaluations. The results of the evaluation will indicate whether or not your child has a disability.

How Does My Child Qualify for Support?

If you suspect your child has a disability, they can be referred for an evaluation at school by either a staff member or a parent/guardian. You can also opt for an evaluation conducted by an outside professional or agency, such as a psychoeducational or psychological evaluation from a private provider like Diagnostic Learning Services (DLS).

The results of the evaluation will indicate whether your child qualifies for services under Special Education or Section 504.

What Happens After My Child is Diagnosed?

If the evaluation was performed by an outside agency like DLS, you will need to share the evaluation report with the school if you want your child to receive additional support. If the school performed the evaluation, the Student Success Team will follow the school’s procedures for review and next steps.

Will My Child Be Placed in Special Education or Section 504?

Once your child’s needs are evaluated, the school will schedule a meeting with you to discuss the appropriate support. The decision will depend on your child’s specific educational needs:

Section 504 may be appropriate for children who generally perform well academically but need extra support, such as reminders to stay on task or additional time for assignments.
Special Education may be more appropriate for children who struggle significantly with reading, writing, or math and are at least 2-3 years behind their peers. Special Education provides specially designed instruction tailored to help your child catch up.

Automatic Qualification for Dyslexia Support

It’s important to note that if your child has been diagnosed with Dyslexia, they automatically qualify for Special Education services. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers specific updates and guidelines on dyslexia services. You can read more about that on our DLS Blog – TEA Dyslexia Updates.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between Special Education and Section 504 services is essential for ensuring your child receives the right support at school. By working with your school and other professionals, you can ensure that your child’s educational needs are met, whether through accommodations in the general education classroom or through more specialized services.