Section 504–Only Student National Incidence Data: National Percentages and Differences by School Characteristics

• In Event: 33.080 - Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: 33.080-8 - Special Education Research SIG: Assessment, Collaboration, and Educational Placement

Abstract

Using data from the 2009–10 Civil Rights Data Collection, this study updates previous research about the incidence of Section 504-only students. The first finding was that the average proportion of 504-only students in the nation’s public schools is approximately 1%. Second, the percentage of this group is significantly higher for (a) Black and Hispanic than White students, and (b) males than for females. Third, the percentage of 504-only students is significantly higher for (a) high IEP than for low IEP schools, (b) non-charter than for charter schools, and (c) non-Title I than Title I schools. These results suggest the need for more diligent and consistent identification of 504-only students and for more current and comprehensive research.

Authors

• John M. Weathers, Lehigh University

• Perry A. Zirkel, Lehigh University