Services
How does a student qualify under Section 504?
Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to:
- have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
- have a record of such an impairment, or
- be regarded as having such an impairment. Section 504 requires that school districts provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
When is a Section 504 not appropriate for a student?
Section 504 is not appropriate for a student when:
1. A student has a disability, but is functioning well and making academic progress without accommodations, the student does not meet
504 eligibility criteria. This might include a student a parent feels could be making A’s rather than B’s; or a student who only experiences
difficulty in one subject area.
2. When a plan is created solely to support a request for extended time on standardized tests such as HSGQE or college board exams such as SAT’s, ACT’s. A student must also need the accommodation in their regular classroom work.
3. When a student is eligible for services under IDEA but the parents prefer Section 504 services.
1. A student has a disability, but is functioning well and making academic progress without accommodations, the student does not meet
504 eligibility criteria. This might include a student a parent feels could be making A’s rather than B’s; or a student who only experiences
difficulty in one subject area.
2. When a plan is created solely to support a request for extended time on standardized tests such as HSGQE or college board exams such as SAT’s, ACT’s. A student must also need the accommodation in their regular classroom work.
3. When a student is eligible for services under IDEA but the parents prefer Section 504 services.
What’s the difference between Special Education (IDEA)and Section 504?A civil rights act, mandating equal academic and physical access. Unlike services offered through IDEA, school districts receive no additional federal or state funding under the Section 504 mandate.
IDEA: Commonly referred to as “Special Education” is an education law which provides individualized educational programs and additional services beyond what is provided to persons without disabilities. IDEA covers children and adolescents with specific groups of disabilities and degrees of disabilities and who require specially designed instruction. |
PolicyIt is the policy of the Copper River School District Board of Education not to discriminate against any otherwise qualified individual with a disability solely by reason of his/her disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, any program or activity.
It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be disabled under this policy even though they do not require services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Due process rights of students with disabilities and their parents under Section 504 will be enforced. |
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