Working with teachers on the details of a 504

[Anonymous]

Context—DC has a new 504 (8th grade/dysg/dyscal + low processing speed. Normal IQ.

The below is mainly granular details as I am looking for help on implementing fine details of the 504. When something that should have been covered under the 504 wasn’t (in your opinion) AND things that were never spelled out in detail but seem reasonable to request,

1) Teacher didn’t give him a chance to type an assignment during the transition period (after meeting on 504 / before it was final). This was either her not thinking that assignment “counted” or an oversight or DC NOT saying “may I type this” but I want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. We basically requested a change from “long assignments” to “Short answers” I’m assuming a quick email?

Is it fair to request an alternate assignment even if details were not listed in official accommodation.

2) Teacher #2 has “word finds” for test extra credit (difficult ones; 5pt/footnote size font, 20 words, all directions including backwards.

In addition to the listed SLD his neuropsych indicated low visual processing speed and he is currently in vision therapy. At the start, the therapist mentioned how hard word finds are for someone with this profile.

He needs these extra credit points but doing these word finds could literally take hours.


3) Teacher #3 We didn’t specify extra space to write (math tests) because it seemed so granular. It’s also often not an issue (e.g. many teachers provide plenty of space). That said, DC often just uses what’s provided–thinking it’s fine.

I know this is lengthy and details and I’m hoping to avoid this with his teachers; back and forth on details or being the "Karen parent."

Thank you kind strangers.

[Anonymous]

^^please excuse my typos/grammar and formatting; also the line about alternate assignment applied to #2.

[Anonymous]

1. Are you saying that the accommodation is, your DC may type not only long assignments but short answers too? Are you saying you want the teacher to give your DC a chance to re-do the assignment with typed answers? OP only you know how critical the assignment was, for learning or grades. We can't know. It's almost the end of the quarter. Go ahead and send a short email if it's important enough.

2. Yes, appropriate to ask for an alternative. The weird thing about this one is that word searches don't measure any curriculum-related skills. So in theory, there's no accommodation needed. An alternative could be for your child to type out a list of the vocabulary words the teacher on the word search (?).

3. Do you think that the space provided is impacting your DC's math test answers? Then make your case and get buy in from everyone. It can be added to the 504 or done informally. One option is to send your kid in with graphing paper for them to write on and attach to the test. Graphing paper helps many math students keep their work on track, and can be helpful for students with dysgraphia.

[Anonymous]

I think everything you mentioned should be covered in a 504 if you expect your child to get them.

1. The problem is that he had no 504. You can ask for a re do, but not sure you’ll get much reception to it. I would be sure your child is asking for this in the future if it isn’t offered.

2. I don’t see where you mention an accommodation that addresses this. If you want something, you may need to revisit the terms of the 504. I’m not sure what you want though. Different extra credit options? May not be something that will be given in a 504.

3. Same issue - not in your 504. I can’t imagine a teacher not offering extra scrap paper if asked. But as for using his own, I can see that being denied as the teacher would have to ensure there is nothing written on it that would allow/facilitate cheating. Regardless, I’d be revising the 504 to include this.

[Anonymous]

My DC has dysgraphia and it took 2 years for the school system to provide adequate coverage with a 504... I hope your fair better.

[Anonymous]

You need to teach the child self-advocacy, he’s a teenager. Will you wait until college before letting him fail? Why do you focus on what the teacher failed to do rather than what HE failed to do. He can ask to use blank paper for math assignments. He can attempt the word find then request a new assignment if it’s not easy or come up with an alternative like making his own word search. And he can ask to type assignments. You’re babying him and doing him a disservice by expecting the teachers to accommodate. If he needs this much assistance get an IEP and an aide.