IEP vs. 504 Plans: Decoding the "Alphabet Soup" of School Advocacy with Rachel Schopp

Navigating the school system can feel like learning a foreign language. Between IEPs, 504 plans, MTSS, and specialized educational jargon, parents often find themselves overwhelmed and unsure of how to get their child the support they actually need.

In this episode, Dr. Courtney is joined by Rachel Schopp, a K-12 veteran, former administrator, and educational consultant. Rachel acts as a "translator" for families, helping them cut through the noise and move from guessing to becoming informed, powerful advocates.

If you’ve ever wondered if your child’s ADHD or anxiety warrants a formal plan, or if you’ve been told "the school is already doing everything they would do in an IEP," this episode is for you.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. The "Environment vs. Curriculum" Rule: Rachel’s simple framework for distinguishing a 504 Plan (environmental accommodations) from an IEP (individualized instruction and curriculum changes).
2. Civil Rights vs. Education Law: Why a 504 is a lifelong protection and an IEP is a legally binding educational mandate.
3. The "MTSS" Trap: Why "informal" supports aren't enough and how to respond when a school says a formal plan isn't necessary.
4. The Power of the Paper Trail: Why "if it isn't in an email, it didn't happen" and how the clock starts the moment you hit send.
5. Collaboration over Confrontation: How to draft a "Soft Startup" email to your child's teacher that assumes positive intent while holding firm boundaries.
6. The Intuition Factor: Learning to trust your gut as the expert on your child, especially when "school performance" doesn't match the struggle you see at home.
7. A Tool, Not a Label: Reframing special education as a temporary scaffold to build self-advocacy skills, rather than a lifetime commitment.

Resources & Connect with Us:

1. Work with Rachel: Find resources and advocacy support at Allied Education.
2. School Visit Questionnaire: Going on school tours and having a clear plan on which questions to ask, will empower you with the information you need to make the best school choice for your child and your family! Check it out.
3. The Co-Parenting U-Turn Workbook: If school stress is triggering conflict in your marriage, download our roadmap to break the cycle here.
4. Book a Consultation: If you are seeking a neuropsychological evaluation (ADHD, Autism, or Learning Disabilities) to support your child’s school advocacy, book a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with our team at