Section 504
What is Section 504?
The purpose of Section 504 is to provide students with a qualifying mental or physical disability equal access to his or her educational environment, materials, or program. Meaning accommodations are related to how the disability (or suspected disability) is currently impacting the student at school. It is important that a 504 never guarantees better grades, rather it provides a "level playing field" for an equal chance at success.
ParentEducator Resource Guide to Section 504.pdfThe Process
Step 1: Contact
It might sound simple, but talk to the parent. Discuss your concerns, and ask the parent/guardian to share theirs as well. You may determine in-class accommodations to provide as needed.
Step 2: Referral
Either a parent or teacher may refer a student for a 504 plan. If you as a teacher plan to refer, please have documentation and/or data available to show the results of your trial accommodations. Parents may make a referral based on grades, classroom behavior, and/or medical documentation, but that does not automatically guarantee a written plan. Referrals must be made in writing to the 504 Coordinator for the student's grade.
Referral Meetings
A referral meeting is when we will share team observations, concerns, review any relevant medical documentation, and determine next steps. If we choose to accept the referral and move forward, we will ask the parent/guardian to sign paperwork that allows for screenings and observations to be completed. If we have enough information at that point, we will also determine accommodations to put into place immediately. The accommodations must be trialed for 5-6 weeks in order to prove that they are being effective.
Step 3: Eligibility
Determining eligibility is the first part in writing a 504 plan; a student must be determined to be eligible before they are to receive a 504. It is also possible for a student to be eligible, but not require a 504 plan. A student qualifying to be served by Section 504 is one that has:
a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities,
a record of such impairment, or
is regarded as having such an impairment.
Please contact your 504 Coordinator if you have any questions regarding eligibility.
Step 4: 504 Meeting
If the accommodations are showing improvement after the trial period, then we will move forward with writing a 504 plan. If not, then we will discuss changing the accommodations or other options for the student to be successful. Accommodations must be trialed and proven to be beneficial for at least 30 days prior to EOGS.
Once a plan is written, the testing coordinator and all teachers who come into contact with the student will be notified by the 504 Coordinator. Teachers will be notified of new student 504 plans as they become available from previous schools.
