CALT Special Education Law and Disability Rights (IDEA, Section 504) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under IDEA, which eligibility category is most commonly used to qualify students with dyslexia for special education services?
- Specific Learning Disability (SLD) (Correct answer)
- Other Health Impairment (OHI)
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Developmental Delay
Correct answer: Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is the IDEA category that encompasses reading disabilities such as dyslexia. It is defined as a disorder in one or more basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language that affects reading, writing, or math. The other categories do not capture the core profile of dyslexia.
Question 2: What is the primary legal distinction between a Section 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
- A 504 Plan provides accommodations only; an IEP provides specialized instruction and related services (Correct answer)
- An IEP is governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, while a 504 Plan falls under IDEA
- A 504 Plan requires annual re-evaluation; an IEP has no re-evaluation requirement
- Only an IEP requires parental consent before implementation
Correct answer: A 504 Plan provides accommodations only; an IEP provides specialized instruction and related services
A 504 Plan (under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) provides accommodations and modifications to give students with disabilities equal access to education, but does not include specialized instruction. An IEP (under IDEA) is a legally binding document that includes both specialized instruction and related services such as academic language therapy, in addition to accommodations.
Question 3: Under IDEA, how frequently must an Individualized Education Program (IEP) be reviewed at minimum?
- Every 6 months
- Annually (at least once per year) (Correct answer)
- Every 2 years
- Every 3 years, coinciding with the triennial re-evaluation
Correct answer: Annually (at least once per year)
IDEA mandates that an IEP be reviewed and revised at least annually to assess the student's progress toward goals and update the plan accordingly. The triennial re-evaluation (every 3 years) is a separate requirement for the full evaluation, not the IEP review cycle.
Question 4: Which federal law is the basis for 504 Plans and prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in schools that receive federal funding?
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Correct answer)
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Correct answer: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs receiving federal financial assistance, including public schools. It is the legal foundation for 504 Plans. IDEA, by contrast, specifically governs special education services and funding.
Question 5: A student with dyslexia does not meet eligibility criteria for special education services under IDEA but continues to struggle in the general education classroom. What is the most appropriate immediate next step?
- Dismiss the concern, as the student does not qualify for any federal protections
- Place the student in a self-contained special education class pending re-evaluation
- Develop a Section 504 Plan to provide accommodations that support access to the curriculum (Correct answer)
- Refer the student to a private neuropsychologist before any school action is taken
Correct answer: Develop a Section 504 Plan to provide accommodations that support access to the curriculum
When a student does not qualify for IDEA services but still has a disability that substantially limits a major life activity (such as reading), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act applies. A 504 Plan can provide accommodations — such as extended time, text-to-speech, or reduced-length assignments — to ensure equitable access without requiring IDEA eligibility.
Question 6: Under IDEA, academic language therapy provided by a CALT is classified as which type of service?
- A supplementary aid
- A related service (Correct answer)
- A primary special education service
- A general education support
Correct answer: A related service
IDEA defines 'related services' as developmental, corrective, and supportive services required to help a child with a disability benefit from special education. Academic language therapy addresses the specific language and literacy deficits underlying dyslexia and qualifies as a related service that can be mandated in a student's IEP.
CALT Special Education Law and Disability Rights (IDEA, Section 504)
Under IDEA, which eligibility category is most commonly used to qualify students with dyslexia for special education services?