Whenever I do the Toolbox training, someone is sure to ask about Section 504.  The Toolbox provides ten “tools” for school administrators to use when dealing with disruptive and/or violent student behavior.  The goal is to have a set of tools that empower campus administrators to serve each student appropriately while providing safety for all.  The Toolbox and its tools are all based on IDEA—our federal special education law—and the state law provisions regarding special education.

So it’s a natural question: what about 504?

The short answer to the question is that almost all of the procedures that schools use with special education students should be used when dealing with a student served under 504.  Do you have to count your days and determine if you have “changed placement”?  Yes. Do you have to conduct a manifestation determination prior to long term disciplinary action?  Almost always.

There are a few distinctions, but for the most part, the IDEA procedures provide a good framework for how you handle 504-eligible students.

Interested in a Toolbox day?  If so, just let me know!

DAWG BONE: 504 PROCEDURES FOR DISCIPLINE ARE PRETTY SIMILAR TO IDEA PROCEDURES

File this one under: SECTION 504

Tomorrow: a superintendent’s ethnic stereotype, a blunt message, and an improved principal.