If you are a parent who's child has a learning disability be very wary of schools trying to use a 504 plan for your child instead of an IEP. 504s are supposed to "remove barriers" while IEPs ensure "specialized instruction." 504s are supposed to make "accommodations" that don't change the assignment (ie give extra time). IEPs have Special Ed. teachers "modify" the assignments and instruction. It seems that many schools have tried to use 504s to sneak in modifications w/o the expertise and resources of Special Ed. teachers being there for the kids.