Special Education and 504 Plans

Meany Middle School serves approximately one in five students with an IEP or 504 plan. While the number of support staff may vary from year to year, Meany has special education staff including case managers, aides, speech language therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other specialists.

If you have questions about special education or 504 service at Meany, please contact Assistant Principal Foyston at jefoyston@seattleschools.org.

Meany houses four different special education programs.

Access

Students receive specially designed instruction (SDI) addressing their moderate to intensive academic and functional needs. These students are able to make progress on their IEP goals while spending the majority of their instructional time in general education settings with a full range of supports needed. These students may also benefit from a variety of specialized instruction, including smaller group instruction and intervention, for part of the day.

Focus

Students receive specially designed instruction (SDI) addressing their intensive academic and functional needs. Students have opportunities to participate in the general education curriculum through specially designed instruction at their present level of performance. 

Social/Emotional

Students receive specially designed instruction (SDI) supporting the development of their social/emotional skills, function, and understanding. Students may receive some or all of the academic instruction through SDI, as determined by the student’s IEP. 

Distinct

Students benefit from a curriculum which differs significantly from the general education curriculum. Specially designed instruction (SDI) can include academic, communication, life and functional skill components.

What is an IEP?

IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. The IEP is developed by the IEP team which consists of teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate). It requires the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities.

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan refers to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is legislation that guarantees certain rights to people with disabilities. It is a formal plans that schools develop to provide students with support and prevent discrimination.

What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?

IEP’s are governed by IDEA (The Individuals with Disability Education Act) which was passed in 1975. To be eligible, students must have a disability and as a result of that disability need special education to make progress in school.Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is a Federal civil rights law that is designed to eliminate disability discrimination in programs and activities that receive Federal funds, such as schools. Generally, an IEP can provide services and supports that a 504 plan can’t, such as specialized instruction. 

How do I get special education services for my student?

A referral isthe first step toward receiving services. A referral is a written request for evaluation, explaining why the student might need special education services. The next step is an evaluation which determines if a student is eligible for special education services, and what those services might be. Once a student has been referred, a team at the student’s school will decide whether or not to evaluate the student within 25 school days. 

• Information about the process for special education.
• Information about the process for 504 Plans.

Special education

• Seattle Schools website Special Education information page
• Seattle Schools phone: 206-252-0058
• Washington State OSPI website Special Education information page

504

Seattle Public Schools website 504 Plan information page

Phone: 206-252-0885

Sources

• Seattle Public Schools Special Education
• Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction