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504 Accomodations

Posted by Dazed and Confused on 11/15/2024, 3:13 pm

I have a student who has a 504 profile. In his accommodations it states he must receive critique, redirection or correction in a private setting. I simply cannot figure out how that is supposed to work in a rehearsal setting. Have any of you ever dealt with something like this and how did you manage it?

Thank you in advance for your time.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Dazed and Confused on 11/18/2024, 11:43 am, in reply to "504 Accomodations"

Just to clarify, I have met with SPED and the campus admin over this. Their answer is the same, I have to take the student in a private setting (which by the way I am totally against meeting with ANY student in a private setting.)
Also, I am the only director. There is no one else to cover the class or meet in private with the student. I have asked for suggestions on how to make this work in a band rehearsal setting but I just get the same ol' "meet in private" answer with no other suggestions.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by WTX Retiree on 12/12/2024, 10:18 am, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"

Request that a teaching assistant who is already employed by the district be in your full band rehearsal period. When 504 accommodations need to be followed, you can handle the situation in private and have the TA supervise the band class for a few minutes. Try this: PLAN AHEAD AND PRACTICE THIS BEFORE YOU NEED TO USE IT. Tell full band to find 2-3 measures that need individual practice on their own. All play at once. It's likely that no 2 students are playing the same measures. Sounds like CHAOS but it WILL work. Just make sure the TA is in the band room supervising and reminding. I've done this in the past. My students loved it. The appreciated that I trusted them to find those spots rather than me spoon feeding them. I always asked "Who fixed at least one spot?" Usually every one raises his/her hand. The entire band benefits. In an ensemble of 50 students the result is 50 fewer spots for you to fix during full band rehearsal. Give it a try.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Respectfully on 11/18/2024, 5:19 pm, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"

Ask them to come observe your class and explain how to make it work.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Yes on 11/19/2024, 9:09 am, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"

Yes, genuine communication goes a long way. Make sure you come across as seeking help. They are usually just following whatever the letter of the law is to be on the safe side and that's not a knock on them. I once had a student who had accommodations that allowed him to wear his headphones all day. After two conversations with their case manager, they had that changed for my class. More importantly the student did just fine without it, and they ended up using them less in other classes. A rare win-win!

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Questioner on 11/17/2024, 8:28 pm, in reply to "504 Accomodations"

Ask the 504 coordinator to come to rehearsal and observe. It may take several observations. Then ask the coordinator how to handle the situation. I bet the coordinator has no idea.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Ask on 11/17/2024, 8:03 pm, in reply to "504 Accomodations"

Ask the SPED or whatever it's called now team for help. Have specific examples ready so you cover yourself. Usually with kids with behavior problems it's difficult and doesn't work. I say this from experience. But it could work, you never know. Good luck.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by 504 Gal on 11/17/2024, 2:28 am, in reply to "504 Accomodations"

I think you can handle this in a few ways

1. Speak to your 504 coordinator first to make sure that you are both on the same page on how to handle this situation

2. Private correction could be a simple as making eye contact from the podium, a special hand sign from the podium to re direct behavior (that the student understands that the sign means to reel it in) a sticky note on a music stand with playing corrections or behavior corrections

3. Correcting the entire section is fine - more often than not a student with this particular accommodation does not do well with being singled out and when that happens it often results in worsening behaviors

4. If the student is doing fine in band - document - when you give correction as a section notate if the student does well with that and how often this occurs - if the student does not need that accommodation in band you can document and ask your 504 coordinator if it can be removed from band - 504 plans are fluid documents that can be changed as needed based on student need - AGAIN speaking as a former 504 coordinator - ALWAYS consult your 504 coordinator to work together to make this work for your classroom and the student - it can be done

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by good advice on 11/18/2024, 7:57 am, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"

Good advice from "gal." I would add (for your own knowledge) keep in mind that accomodation was written for the general Ed. classroom setting where the teacher can easily walk up to the student and give them feedback. So my advice is to start with the sped coordinator/504 coordinator/case manager...whoever is in charge and have the conversation with them why that is difficult in this different setting. When you let them know that you are not trying to ignore the accommodation, but are seeking help to do what's right, they will give you the best guidance. I have had some change the accommodations for band class after they came and observed what goes on. But that takes time. In the meantime, just do your best to generalize comments. Maybe even go over the section and work a few measures as a way of getting that student some extra help, or have another director work with them for a few minutes if you have that option.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by no pressure on 11/16/2024, 3:49 am, in reply to "504 Accomodations"

8. What does noncompliance with Section 504 mean?

A school district is out of compliance when it is violating any provision of the Section 504 statute or regulations.

9. What sanctions can OCR impose on a school district that is out of compliance?

OCR initially attempts to bring the school district into voluntary compliance through negotiation of a corrective action agreement. If OCR is unable to achieve voluntary compliance, OCR will initiate enforcement action. OCR may:

(1) initiate administrative proceedings to terminate Department of Education financial assistance to the recipient; or

(2) refer the case to the Department of Justice for judicial proceedings.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Simple on 11/15/2024, 7:33 pm, in reply to "504 Accomodations"

Address others and make general comments that may pertain the individual student. Provide written feedback or meet outside of class once a week.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by BDSO on 11/16/2024, 12:13 pm, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"

This. I've had students with same modification for years (as long as I can remember). Every time I had one like this, I consult with my SpEd coordinator and this is the exact advice they tell me (I already know what it is going to be, but "CYA", right).

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Anon on 11/15/2024, 6:46 pm, in reply to "504 Accomodations"

Stop the entire band, pull the kid, tell them what to improve on, then you both walk back out and continue rehearsal. Repeat as necessary. It will not take long for this accommodation to be revised for for band rehearsal setting I would think.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by TYB Host on 11/16/2024, 11:12 am, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"
Board Administrator

I believe this person is being facetious, but just in case...

DO NOT DO THIS!!

Tim

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Beagle on 11/16/2024, 7:31 am, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"

No, it won't take long at all for you to be called on the carpet by your SpEd/504 coordinators in front of admin for singling a kid out repeatedly in class like that.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Wait...What? on 11/17/2024, 10:29 am, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"

In that case you point out that you are following the 504 as directed (to do otherwise would be a violation), which is the direct cause of the singling out of the kid. Perhaps the SpEd Department can provide a method of being able to have the cake and eat it as well?

What does the SpEd Department expect to happen with a directive like that? Feedback/re-direction has to occur right away...otherwise it is ineffective. That's the Law of Unintended Consequences rearing it's head again.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Beagle on 11/17/2024, 8:49 pm, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"

You can provide feedback without pulling the kid out of class in front of the whole class. Have an assistant tell the kid directly. Redirect the section, not the student.

Your job as a teacher is to provide the least restrictive environment and what you're doing is incredibly so. Again, as TYB said, you're arguing to argue - but this is literally a set of actions that will get you sued.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Me on 12/8/2024, 11:50 pm, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"

The original poster said they have no assistant.

Re: 504 Accomodations

Posted by Hmm on 11/17/2024, 5:16 pm, in reply to "Re: 504 Accomodations"

There are ways, suggested by others above. It doesn't help to be defiant to supports that are designed to help the student. Being resistant and sarcastic will paint yourself in a corner. It is also rude and dismissive to your colleagues.

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