In any public school classroom, there are likely to be students who have Individualized Education Plans, designed to give students the supports they need to succeed, and some may also have what’s called a 504.
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“Those supports could include specialized instruction or related services and accommodations, and a Section 504 plan is designed to make sure that we get the accommodations needed for students with disabilities to be successful in school,” explained Diane Eagan, who runs the program in Broward County Public Schools.
More than 39,000 students have IEPs or 504s in Broward, and more than 52,000 use them in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
“Even if a student is getting great grades and is very capable, they may need some accommodations to help them be successful,” Eagan said.
For example, sometimes kids have difficulty completing assignments on time. There could be an underlying cause, and that child may need an IEP to reach their full potential.
“My son had a wonderful time through Broward schools with the supports that he needed in the classroom in order to just give him that little extra to ensure that he had equitable access to his education,” Jacqui Luscombe said.
Her son, Alfie, had an IEP. It helped him thrive at Taravella High School, he graduated last year, and now he’s on his way to Penn State University.
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“It was awesome for him and being in that small group learning environment for those particular pullouts but also flourishing in a general education classroom was that wonderful balance that enabled him to sail through school with the level of support that he needed,” Luscombe said.
She serves as chair of the Broward Schools ESE Advisory Council. Luscombe also moderates a huge Facebook support group, which has more than 10,000 members, and she has advice for parents considering the IEP process.
“So don’t be scared, because it’s really good for your child to take this step, don’t be frightened away, and the school system isn’t there to catch you out, the school system is there to take your child on that journey with you,” Luscombe said.
As she points out, the school system, the teachers and parents are all on the same team, working for the student’s benefit. For some kids, IEPs and Section 504 accommodations can be absolutely life-changing.
“Many of our students with disabilities are incredibly talented and have great skills, but they may just need that extra boost to make sure that they can get the supports they need to be successful in school,” Eagan said.
The number of students with special accommodations like an IEP or 504 has been rising all over the nation. If you suspect your child might need help, talk to their teacher and get the evaluation process started.
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