The Biggest Mistakes Schools Make When Developing and Implementing a Section 504 Plan

Creating a Section 504 plan? Avoid these common mistakes! A weak or poorly implemented plan may fail to address a student’s needs, leading to noncompliance issues. If your child has a 504 plan (or needs one), ensure you're steering clear of these critical errors:

Using a Predetermined Checklist

Many schools check off accommodations from a pre-made list instead of carefully selecting accommodations based on the student’s individual needs. 

Failing to Match Accommodations with the Student’s Needs
Every accommodation should directly support the student’s specific disability-related needs. If there’s no apparent connection between the disability and the support, the accommodation is not appropriate.

Writing Vague or Ineffective Plans
A 504 plan must clearly outline who does what, when, and how. Instead of writing, “Extra time on tests,” the plan should specify: “Student receives 50% additional time on all classroom assessments and state testing.”

Failing to Involve School Administration
If the school principal, admin team, or Section 504 Designee isn’t overseeing 504 plan implementation, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. School leadership should be actively ensuring compliance and accountability.

Providing Little or No Monitoring
An effective 504 plan isn’t just a document to be filed away in a drawer. It must be actively monitored to ensure proper implementation. Schools should have a system for checking in regularly to ensure accommodations are provided correctly.

Not Revisiting Plans Annually                                                                                                               

Plans should be updated annually or sooner if accommodations need to be added or changed.      

Creating a 504 Plan for a Student Who Already Has an IEP
Students who qualify for an IEP under IDEA do not need a 504 plan. The IEP already provides all the protections and services a 504 plan would offer, plus more. 

The Bottom Line: A well-developed 504 plan should be specific, actionable, and legally compliant to ensure your child gets the support they need. If you’re unsure whether your child’s plan is strong enough, I can help!

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