It is possible for a child not to qualify for services under Article 7, but qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Section 504 is not considered “special education” but can provide many of the same services and procedural safeguards. Section 504 defines disability as “anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially impairs or restricts one or more major life activity, such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.” Section 504 coverage extends to:
If the case conference committee determines that your child is eligible for services under Section 504, the next step is to jointly write an individualized learning plan. This may be in the same format as the Individualized Education Program (IEP), or a different format may be used. Ask the school for more information on Section 504 and what it means for your child’s education.
Section 504 is under the jurisdiction of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). For a copy of this law or for more information, contact OCR at
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at 1-800-421-3481
TTY: 1-877-521-2172 . Email: ocr@ed.gov.
Chicago Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
111 N. Canal Street, Suite 1053
Chicago , IL 60606-7204
Telephone: 312-886-8434
FAX: 312-353-4888; TDD: 312-353-2540
Email: OCR_Chicago@ed.gov
Children and youth attending Anderson Community Schools with limited English proficiency (LEP) are eligible for our English As A Second Language program (ESL). This program will address:
Students are assessed with the Woodcock-Munoz Language Survey. Proficiency levels/ability are determined and students are placed in small group settings for instruction. A minimum of three (3) hours per week is provided to each student.
Elementary students use Addison-Wesley Curriculum for ESL along with a variety of supplemental materials. The secondary curriculum used is Side By Side, by Pearson Education. These series are correlated to Equipped for the Future Content Standards and addresses the following areas based on scientifically based research on teaching English Language Learners (ELL):
Transition from ESL programs to regular classroom is based on proficiency in language. As the first step after testing out, ESL Resource classes will be available.
Parents have the right to have their child immediately removed from the ESL program upon request. ACS does not offer an alternative program for ELL students.
For more information on 504 and Title III in Anderson Community Schools, contact JoDean Washington, Executive Director of Community Development, at 765-641-2076.
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504 and Title III |