Section 504 Occasionally, a student will be presented with challenges in the classroom or school environment that seem to require support beyond what is typically available in the regular education program. When teachers, other staff or parents/guardians have concerns that might require special accommodations but seem not to warrant an evaluation for consideration of special education services, the concerns should be directed to the school Intervention and Referral Services Team.

The outcome of such a review by the I&RS Team may result in a decision, in conjunction with the parent/guardian, to develop a 504 Accommodation Plan which will describe the interfering factors, what the "substantial impact" on learning currently is, and what accommodations are needed to support the student's success.
  1. The school "504 Team" is asked to consider the staff or parent's written concern; parents are invited to be part of the team's discussion. Existing information is gather and reviewed to determine if there is sufficient data available to address the concern(s). If additional assessments are needed, the school seeks parental consent to obtain them, at no cost to the parent. Parents are not required to produce medical reports in order to initiate the review process.
  2. If the 504 Team believes that there is "the presence of a physical or mental impairment, that substantially limits a major life activity such as learning", the team then develops an accommodation plan that describes the impairment (disability), the life activity, and the accommodations and modifications needed to offer the student equal access to the curriculum
  3. The "504 Plan" must include the written consent of the parent, the school staff responsible for implementation, and the student when appropriate. Copies are shared with each staff member responsible for implementation of the accommodations and the parent.
  4. Accommodation Plans must be reviewed annually (12 months from the date of implementation), and revised as needed.
  5. Parents are also provided a copy of the Parent's Rights in Special Education (PRISE) booklet at each meeting called to review and revise the plan.
  6. Parents have rights to a due process hearing if they believe there has been a violation of their child's right to equal access of the school program.
Questions about the I&RS Team process or 504 Accommodation Plans should be directed to the building principal.