Navigating 504 Plans

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So what the heck is a 504 anyway?  If you have been in the game, you probably already know and if you are a new educator I'm sure you have some questions.  Either way, I have 504 meeting organizers and tools on TPT that can help make the process a breeze.

504 Plan Basics

When I was new to School Counseling I remember coming out of grad school and having no idea what a 504 Plan was and very little understanding of Section 504 in general.  Essentially these are some basics...

  • Students who are not special education (or do not have an IEP) who have a disability or impairment can seek to determine if they are eligible for a 504 Plan or not
  • 504 policies can change by state
  • A committee of qualified individuals (teachers, counselor, parent, etc.) meet together and review data to determine if that student's disability or impairment is so substantially restricting or limiting that they need accommodations in the classroom to have the same opportunities as their peers

Data to review in a 504 Initial Eligibility Determination Meeting:

  • Current & historical grades
  • Teacher observations & feedback (I have teachers answer surveys with severity scales where they evaluate how much they believe the student's diagnosis or disability restricts or limits a major life activity - learning, thinking, concentrating, reading, etc.)
  • Parent & student feedback
  • Standardized testing
  • Documentation from a provider (note from a doctor, psychologist or a formal evaluation)

Determining Eligibility


Once a 504 committee determines that a student is eligible they agree upon reasonable accommodations.  These are the accommodations that would give the student the same opportunity as their peers that they do not have due to their disability.

Example Accommodations

  • Extended time on tests & quizzes
  • Extended time on standardized tests
  • Redirect to the assigned task
  • Cues for attention
  • Reminders of upcoming deadlines
  • Assistance with organization
  • Allow access to the Nurse / bathroom / Counselor as needed
and SO many more.  But it is important to know what 504 accommodations do not cover.

504 Plan Accommodations are NOT

  • Modifications, modifications can only be delivered through an IEP
  • Can not excuse a student's attendance
  • Based on what a doctor's note says, they are determined by the 504 committee and a doctor is not an educational expert

504 Templates on TPT

If you still feel new to 504's and want to check out  my resources I have a meeting organizer for determining initial eligibility as well as reviewing a student's eligibility annually.  At most schools after a student is found eligible for a 504 Plan, the plan and the student's eligibility is reviewed annually.  At the annual review students can be found no longer eligible, they may be found eligible and retain the same plan or have changes to their existing 504 Plan. 



 Let these guides help you navigate and simplify the 504 process and make your life a little easier!

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