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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 MEMBERSAssistant Principal: Ronnie Heller

Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW): Tami Niedomanski

School Psychologist: Jeanne McCormack

School Nurse: Pat Belchere

School Counselor

Special Education Resource: Tracey Fliakis

Parent & Student

Data Reviewed

Teacher Reports

Educational history and recent grades

Supporting Documentation (e.g., private testing)

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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

Physical Diabetes

Mental ADHD

Physiological Cosmetic disfigurement

Major Life Activities Impacted

Learning (most common)

Concentrating

Communicating

Thinking

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Typical Accommodations

• 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)– 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?