Section 504 School Discipline: CE Course for Psychologists
A practical course on disability-based behavior, FAPE, discipline, reasonable modifications, and nondiscrimination under Section 504.
Understanding Section 504 in Disciplinary Decision-Making
This course examines how Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act applies when psychologists and school teams respond to student behavior and discipline. The course focuses on how disability-related needs, FAPE, evaluation, behavioral supports, disciplinary removals, and reasonable modifications intersect with nondiscrimination requirements.
Using guidance from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, participants will work through the legal framework and practical decision points that arise when behavior may be related to disability. Particular attention is given to fair treatment, individualized decision-making, and the psychologist’s role in supporting legally and ethically defensible practices.
Core Areas of Practice
Section 504 Foundations
Understand the scope of Section 504 and its relationship to IDEA and disability-based discipline.
FAPE and Behavioral Needs
Examine how schools identify and respond to behavioral, social, emotional, and academic needs under Section 504.
Evaluation and Placement
Review evaluation, reevaluation, and significant-change-in-placement issues related to discipline.
Reasonable Modifications
Consider when disciplinary policies, practices, or procedures may require modification for students with disabilities.
Disability Discrimination
Analyze unnecessary different treatment and disciplinary practices that may produce discriminatory effects.
Ethical Application
Apply the legal framework to psychologist consultation, documentation, and multidisciplinary decision-making.
U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
This federal guidance explains schools’ responsibilities under Section 504 when addressing disability-based behavior and student discipline.
Open Required Reading →Read, analyze, and apply the guidance to psychologist practice.
Work through each lesson in order and complete all required activities, knowledge checks, post-test requirements, and course evaluation.