What is a primary responsibility of educators in providing IEPs and 504 plans?

The primary responsibility of educators in providing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans is to work cooperatively with staff to provide accommodations for exceptional students. This collaboration ensures that students with disabilities receive the specific support they need to access the general education curriculum and succeed academically.

Educators must engage with various professionals, including special education teachers, counselors, and therapists, to design and implement effective accommodations and modifications tailored to each student’s unique needs. This approach encourages collaboration among educators and promotes a supportive learning environment, allowing exceptional students to thrive.

In contrast, developing curriculum without any modifications does not address the individual needs of students with disabilities, which is contrary to the spirit of IEPs and 504 plans. Limiting parent involvement undermines the collaborative process that is vital for designing effective educational strategies, as parental insights and concerns are crucial for understanding a child's needs. Lastly, using standardized assessments exclusively fails to consider the diverse ways that students demonstrate their learning and can result in an incomplete picture of a student’s abilities and challenges.