The 504 Process at
Quince Orchard HS
October 1, 2015
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History and Rationale
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
– “No individual with a disability shall, solely by
reason of disability, be excluded from or denied
benefits…of any program receiving federal financial
assistance”
• For students who qualify under section 504, a
quality education may include supports or
accommodations
• To level the “playing field” for students
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Purpose of Section 504
• To prevent discrimination by providing equal
opportunity for students with a disability or
impairment
• To provide accommodations and support for
students who qualify under Section 504
• To level the “playing field” for students with
access and opportunity
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The 504 Process at QOHS
1) Concern is brought to the EMT (Educational
Management Team)
2) Date is set in place for parents to come in
3) Team reviews data with parents and student at
the meeting
EMT MEMBERS
Assistant Principal: Ronnie Heller
Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW): Tami Niedomanski
School Psychologist: Jeanne McCormack
School Nurse: Pat Belchere
School Counselor
Special Education Resource: Tracey Fliakis
Data Reviewed
Teacher Reports
Educational history and recent grades
Supporting Documentation (e.g., private
testing)
Parent & Student
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Who Qualifies?
• Any student with a physical, mental, or
physiological disorder that impacts a major life
activity
• Parents may appeal if a 504 plans is denied
Example
Major Life Activities Impacted
Physical
Diabetes
Mental
ADHD
Concentrating
Physiological
Cosmetic
disfigurement
Communicating
Learning (most common)
Thinking
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Typical Accommodations
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•
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Extended Time
Preferential Seating
Copy of Notes
Chunking of assignments
Access to bathroom and water fountains
Also may include accommodations, and varied
instructional approaches
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Teacher Notification
• Existent copies of individual 504 plans are
distributed to teachers each semester (August
and January)
• If a 504 plan is implemented during the school
year, teachers are notified by e-mail and plans
are distributed to teachers
• All 504 plans are maintained in a master hard
copy notebook
• A confidential file contains student’s 504 Plan
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504 Review Process
• Plan is reviewed annually
• Annual Review Options:
– Accommodation(s) added
– Accommodation(s) removed
– Discontinue
• Reviews are scheduled throughout the year
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Key Players
• Teacher: Responsible for providing
accommodations within the 504 plan
• C0unselor: Case manager; monitors student
progress, conducts reviews, and acts as liaison
between parent and school
• Student: Advocates for implementation of plan
• Parent: Works with student to advocate for self
and develops other strategies to deal with
disability
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504 Plans and Standardized Tests
• 504 Testing Accommodations (e.g., extended
time) apply to any State of Maryland tests
(HSAs), MCPS final exams, and any
tests/quizzes in the classroom
• They do NOT apply to any Standardized Testing
such as the PSATs, SATs, AP exams, or ACTs
• There is a separate application process to apply
for College Board and ACT accommodations
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College Board Application Process
• Parent and student complete College Board
consent form
• Application made on-line by school and
pertinent material faxed to College Board
• Decision made by College Board within 6-8
weeks
• If accommodations are granted, they can be
applied to any College Board Test (PSAT, SAT,
AP)
• Questions: http://www.collegeboard.com
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ACT Application Process
• ACT Process (50% Extended time only)
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Student/parent complete registration on-line
Student/parent pay
Student/parent print out admission ticket
School completes Extended Time Application
Parent send completed packet to ACT
• ACT Process (Other Accommodations)
– Student/parent complete their part of Request for ACT
special testing
– School completes remainder of application and sends
– Questions: http://www.act.org
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Please Note: The school makes the application.
College Board and/or ACT makes the
determination.
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Updated Documentation
• A 504 Plan does not guarantee College
Board/ACT testing accommodations
• Current (within 5 years) Cognitive and
Achievement Testing (Woodcock Johnson,
WISC, etc.)
• Refer to the College Board and ACT websites for
more detailed information
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504 Plans and College
Accommodations
• A 504 Plan does not guarantee college classroom
accommodations
• Check with individual colleges about what
documentation they require in order to provide
students with accommodations in college
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Questions?
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