Lori Morris, Special Populations Assessment Design 504 Identification Lori Morris, Special Populations Assessment Design

Changes to 504 Identification What is Section 504? Section 504 is a federal civil rights law designed to eliminate disability discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funds. Section 504 requires schools receiving federal money to provide a “Free and Appropriate Public Education” (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability. Yet FAPE under Section 504 is very different from FAPE under IDEA. FAPE in Section 504 guarantees an education for students with disabilities which is comparable to the education given to students without disabilities. In comparison, IDEA regulations require special education and related services designed to meet each student with a disability’s “unique needs.”   Who is eligible under Section 504? Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend LEAs receiving federal funds. To be protected, a student must be determined to: (a) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (b) have a record of such impairment; or (c) be regarded as having such an impairment. What kinds of services are covered under 504 plans? Accommodations and supports are typically the services provided via a 504 Plan. For example, if the student with a disability has behavior problems, appropriate accommodations might include the use of a behavior chart and reward system, picture schedules, and Social Stories, or if the student has difficulty taking notes in class, he or she may be allowed to tape record the class, or use a computer to take notes from the teacher. Where can I get more information on 504 plans?  Please use this link to access federal guidance on 504 plans: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/legal/legal_section_504_guide.pdf

Specific Student Identification Who should be coded with the 504 student classification? Any student who is found eligible under Section 504 and has an active 504 plan. How are students with 504 plans identified in EIS? Starting in the 2018-19 school year, students with active 504 plans are identified with the 504 student classification.   What start and end dates are used for the 504 student classification? Use the 504 plan’s start and end dates as the 504 student classification’s start and end dates. What is the duration of a 504 plan?  504 plans apply for one school year and are reviewed on an annual basis. Whom should I contact at the Tennessee Department of Education about the 504 student classification?  Please contact Lori.Morris@tn.gov.