About Special Programs

The Southside ISD Special Education Program website was created to assist the Southside community find answers to frequently asked questions, and to serve as an informational resource for those wanting to know more about Special Programs in the Southside Independent School District.

Aiding​ ​Students​ ​Who​ ​Have​ ​Learning Difficulties​ ​or​ ​Who​ ​Need​ ​Section​ ​504​ ​Services

For those students who are having difficulty in the regular classroom, all school districts and open enrollment charter schools must consider tutorial, compensatory, and other academic or behavior support services that are available to all students, including a process based on Response to Intervention (RtI). The implementation of RtI has the potential to have a positive impact on the ability of districts and charter schools to meet the needs of all struggling students. If a student is experiencing learning difficulties, his or her parent may contact the individual(s) listed below to learn about the school’s overall general education referral or screening system for support services. This system links students to a variety of support options, including making a referral for a special education evaluation or for a Section 504 evaluation to determine if the student needs specific aids, accommodations, or services. A parent may request an evaluation for special education or Section 504 services at any time.

Section 504 Services are designed to provide a system of identifying eligible students with disabilities as defined under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Once identified, these students are ensured access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) by providing accommodations that allow equal access to the curriculum in the general education setting. The statute is intended to prevent intentional or unintentional discrimination against persons with disabilities, persons who are believed to have disabilities, or family members of persons with disabilities.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (2009) and further clarified in 2010, prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in all programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. An eligible student is one who:

• has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities;

• has a record or history of such impairment;

• is regarded as having such an impairment.

Guidelines for Educators and Administrators for Implementing Section 504 – Brochure -- Update  Coming Soon 

Section 504 Referrals