Question:

We have a 504 in place that states that the teachers ensure my son's homework assignments are written down and initial each day.  But the teacher says it is not her responsibility to chase him down and sign his planner.  What can I do?

Teresa

Answer:

Dear Teresa;

Thank you for your question.

If you have a written Section 504 plan, teachers are required to implement it. Should a teacher refuse, you have the right to file a complaint with your Section 504 coordinator. Go to the school district Section 504 coordinator rather than the school coordinator. However, bear in mind that it is in your son’s best interest for you and his teacher to work together to provide the best possible school experience for him. Avoid unpleasant confrontations whenever possible and attempt to communicate with the teacher regarding ways that your son can access his homework assignments. Some other options might be posting the assignments on the school internet website and creating a homework “hotline” on which the assignments are recorded. Be sure that all of your son’s teachers are included when the Section 504 plan is updated. Individual teachers may have their own ideas about ways to accommodate your son.

Whenever possible, encourage your son to take responsibility and become more independent. If your son is in high school, help him begin to advocate for himself by talking to teachers involved himself. He may need you to accompany him initially, but eventually should learn to do this on his own. Many parents and students make a packet together that describes their disability and give this to teachers at the beginning of the year along with the Section 504 plan. This helps teachers understand your son’s needs and enlists their cooperation before things get tough.

Other readers have asked similar questions about implementing Section 504. For more information about Section 504, please see the AAS previous question from “K”, starting with “Can a parent demand a 504 student…” The Diagnostic Center, Northern California also has an online training about Section 504 at:

http://www.dcn-cde.ca.gov/504/504_index.htm