IEPs, 504s, and BIPs

 IEPs, 504s, and BIPs

What are IEPs, 504s, and BIPs?

IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. IEPs are for children with learning disabilities and act as a formal plan for how to help the student achieve certain academic goals. The IEP states what modifications (i.e. having different homework problems or test questions, learning different material, etc.) and accommodations (i.e. extended time on assignments, speech-to-text functions, guided notes, etc.) the student is entitled to in order to help them be successful in school (Morin, 2022). 

A 504 plan also supports students with disabilities, but these are not specific to learning disabilities. Students with epilepsy, hearing difficulties, ADHD, and other disabilities are entitled to a 504 plan which offers them accommodations based on their disability. For example, a student with ADHD might be able to take breaks when they need to move around whereas a student with a visual impairment can use large-print texts or text-to-speech software.

BIP stands for Behavior Intervention Plan. This is another formal document that focuses on supporting students with severe emotional, behavioral, or social challenges (Miller, 2022). The BIP plan describes the behavioral goals for the student as well as the accommodations and supports the student will receive to help them achieve those goals. Often, incentives or rewards are built into these plans to motivate the student to reach the stated goals.

How are they similar?

All three of these plans are created with the goal of better supporting struggling students. Each plan also provides relevant accommodations based on their needs. BIPs and IEPs both set goals for the student to achieve with the help of teachers, paraprofessionals, and other support staff. IEPs and 504s are also specifically for supporting students with disabilities.

How are they different?

The main thing that separates IEPs from 504s and BIPs is that it is the only plan that provides modifications. Modifications are more intensive than accommodations, so they are reserved for students with severe learning or physical disabilities. IEPs and 504s are also for students with diagnosed disabilities whereas students with a BIP do not have to be formally diagnosed to receive support. Also, while IEPs and 504s focus mostly on academic goals and accommodations, BIPs are exclusively focused on improving the students' behavior.

How do you know if your child needs additional support?

Aside from a diagnosis from a professional, there are a few signs that your student may need extra support either academically or behaviorally according to "10 Signs Your Child Might Need Extra Support" (2024):

1. Struggles with focus and attention
2. Difficulties learning
3. Trouble in social situations
4. Frequent, intense outbursts
5. Obsessive or compulsive behaviors
6. Difficulties with organization and time management
7. Anxiety about school
8. Regression in skills or behavior
9. Difficulty understanding emotions or showing empathy
10. Concerns from teachers

If your child is displaying one or more of these signs, you may want to consider getting them evaluated for a possible learning disability or emotional disorder from a licensed professional. By having your child evaluated and bringing it to the schools' attention, you child can receive the appropriate support they need to be successful in school!

References

10 Signs Your Child Might Need Extra Support. (2024). Anxiety Specialists of St Louis. https://anxietyspecialistsofstl.com/10-signs-your-child-might-need-extra-support/

Miller, G. (2022). What Is a Behavior Intervention Plan? Child Mind Institute; Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/what-is-a-behavior-intervention-plan/ 

Morin, A. (2022). Common Classroom Accommodations and Modifications. Understood for All. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/common-classroom-accommodations-and-modifications