504 Plans, explained
A common 504 plan accommodation is “time and a half,” or an extra 50% of the original time on tests.
I’ve been hearing about this thing called a “504 plan.” What is it?
A 504 plan provides accommodations to students with disabilities. It is a legal document that has to be enforced, and a teacher must allow a student to use their accommodations.
What are “accommodations”?
Accommodations are aids that balance out the negative effects of disabilities. One common accommodation is called “time and a half.” This provides students with an extra 50% of time on any timed test.
Why are 504 plans made?
504 plans help students with disabilities accurately display their knowledge.
How is a 504 plan created?
A student and their parents meet with their grade-level counselor to create a 504 plan. This conversation might also include a mediator.
What kinds of disabilities qualify you for a 504?
Anything can qualify a student for a 504 plan, from general anxiety to dyscalculia. Some common diagnoses for students with 504 plans are ADHD and dyslexia. It just has to significantly impact a student’s ability.
What does “significantly impact a student’s ability” mean?
In essence, it means that the student has to face significant consequences from their disability.
How is this different from an IEP?
For the most part, in high school, 504 plans only provide accommodations for tests. IEPs provide help with instruction. That’s the key difference. The same disability could qualify a student for a 504 plan or an IEP plan, it just depends on the student.
What are some reasons a student would be turned down for a 504 plan?
One reason could be that their grades are too high. Another could be the lack of a medical diagnosis that proves a student has a disability.
Do most applicants receive plans?
Around 80% of students who express interest in 504 plans receive them.
Who should I talk to if I think I might need a 504 plan?
Talk to your grade-level counselor, a parent and a doctor if you don’t already have a medical diagnosis for a disability.
Who’s my grade-level counselor?
Freshmen: Joe Fisch
Sophomores: Rachel Cosic
Juniors: Robin Giden
Seniors: Taylor Sebestik
Sources:
Robin Giden, grade-level counselor, 11th
Cindy Coronado, parent of KHS alums with 504 plans
Amber – Kapral, KHS Testing Coordinator
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