ABSTRACT

The 504 Plan The school counselor’s actions are appropriate and in compliance with the student’s 504 plan-a legal document entitling the student to these accommodations as agreed upon by a 504 committee that included the parent/legal guardian. The school counselor would want to discuss their intended actions in advance of testing day, to ensure that the teacher and others involved in testing understand the process and placement of students with special needs. The school counselor should also consult with the teacher to understand why the accommodations are not being followed in the classroom and to encourage either going back to the 504 committee if the teacher believes accommodations are no longer needed or to begin compliance. Another point is to be made here: If a student is not being given the small group testing accommodation outlined in a 504 plan or IEP and is given this accommodation on the day of standardized testing, this could adversely impact the student’s performance on the test. Nonetheless, the school counselor is acting in the best interest of the student by following the currently active and legally binding 504 plan.