What Is Section 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, including public schools. For the Nampa School District, Section 504 ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to education and are provided with accommodations or modifications necessary for their academic success.

Implementing a Section 504 plan for a student involves a systematic process designed to ensure that the student receives the necessary accommodations to succeed in the educational environment. Here is a detailed process for putting a student on a 504 plan, starting from contacting the student's school counselor:

• Contact the School Counselor:
  • The first step involves reaching out to the student's school counselor to express concerns and request an evaluation for a Section 504 plan. Provide any observations or reasons why you believe the student may need accommodations.
• Gather Documentation:
  • Collect and submit documentation from the student's healthcare providers, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and recommendations for accommodations in the school setting. This information is crucial for understanding the student's needs and determining eligibility under Section 504.
• Request an Evaluation:
  • The school counselor, upon receiving the request and documentation, will guide you through the process of formally requesting an evaluation for Section 504 eligibility. This may involve filling out specific forms or providing additional information.
• Evaluation Process:
  • The school district will conduct an evaluation to assess the student's needs and determine eligibility for a 504 plan. This evaluation may include reviews of medical documentation, academic records, and teacher observations, as well as assessments conducted by school personnel.
• Convene the 504 Team Meeting:
  • If the student is found eligible, a 504 team meeting will be scheduled. This team typically includes the student's parents or guardians, school counselor, teachers, and any other relevant school staff or specialists. The purpose of this meeting is to develop a 504 plan tailored to the student's specific needs.
• Develop the 504 Plan:
  • During the meeting, the team will discuss and agree upon reasonable accommodations, modifications, and services needed to support the student's education. This plan will outline how the school will address the student's needs and may include adjustments to the learning environment, teaching strategies, and assessment methods.
• Implement the 504 Plan:
  • Once the 504 plan is developed, it will be implemented in the student's educational setting. Teachers and staff involved with the student will be informed of the accommodations and modifications to ensure they are put into practice.
• Monitor and Review:
  • The effectiveness of the 504 plan should be regularly monitored and reviewed. The plan can be adjusted as needed to ensure it continues to meet the student's needs. Annual reviews are typically conducted to assess the student's progress and make any necessary updates to the plan.
• Communication:
  • Throughout the process, maintain open communication with the school counselor and the 504 team. This ensures that any concerns or changes in the student's needs are promptly addressed.
  • This process emphasizes collaboration between the student's support network and the school to ensure that the student receives the necessary accommodations to succeed academically.