what is a 504 plan in school

what is a 504 plan in school

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A 504 plan is a formal plan developed by schools to provide support for students with disabilities so that they can learn in a regular classroom. The plan is designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment. The goal of a 504 plan is to give the student equal access to education at school.

Here are some key points to know about 504 plans:

  • Eligibility: Students are eligible for 504 plans if they have a disability that limits daily life activities such as self-care, walking, seeing, breathing, hearing, speaking, or learning.

  • Accommodations: 504 plans often include accommodations such as extra time on tests, preferential seating, or the use of assistive technology. Accommodations are designed to change how a child receives an education but will not affect what the child learns.

  • Modifications: While accommodations are the most common type of support provided through a 504 plan, modifications can also be included. Modifications change what a student is taught or is expected to learn. For example, a student might get fewer homework assignments or be graded in a different way than their classmates.

  • Plan Development: To develop a 504 plan, a parent, teacher, or other school staff member, health care provider, or therapist asks the school to evaluate the student for a 504 plan. The school then looks at a child’s grades, test scores, medical records, and what teachers report about the student to decide if the student is eligible for a 504 plan. Schools and families usually work together to create a 504 plan, but parents don’t have to consent for schools to move forward with a plan.

  • Legal Rights: 504 plans are covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is a federal civil rights law to stop discrimination against people with disabilities. Students with 504 plans have legal rights to ensure that they receive the support they need to access education.

Its important to note that a 504 plan is different from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). While both plans provide support for students with disabilities, an IEP is a more comprehensive plan that provides individualized special education and related services to meet a child’s unique needs.

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