Hawaii Association of School Psychologists

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504 vs IEP

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What is the difference between a Section 504 plan and an IEP: Section 504 Plan: ( Chapter 61) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974  is a FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAW   that protects students with disabilities from discrimination. In Hawaii, Chapter 61 (previously Chapter 53) is the Hawaii Administrative Rule that ensures the applicability of § 504 in the public schools and assures a  Free Appropriate Public Education  (FAPE) to eligible students with disabilities. To qualify for a 504 Plan, a student must have a disability that is affecting a major life function. Unlike an IEP, a "major life function" does not have to be educational impact. A student can be doing well academically, but need social skills assistance or organizational skills due to   ADHD. With either plan, a direct connection must be made from the disability to the impairment in school.  A 504 Plan is usually a good option when the student is able to function well in a regular...
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Masterbation: Self Stimulating Behaviors At School

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SELF STIMULATING BEHAVIORS AT SCHOOL.  Underwear Matters.  Trust me on this.  Over the past couple years, I have had numerous teachers shyly approach me for consultation, looking for strategies on for their students who are engaging in "self-stimulation" during class, at school, and even on field-trips. In one case, just finding the appropriate pair of underwear solved the problem. Basketball shorts and no underwear was not working out so well... but once discussed, it was a trail and error and a simple fix.  Many times, the teachers biggest concern is how to discuss the problem with the parent. Sometimes the behavior is suspected but not as obvious... But it is always better to have a conversation with the parent as soon as possible. To ignore the issue can be extremely problematic and can create habits that later will be difficult to break.  I think it is important to be mindful of parents cultures when bringing up the topic with them. Initially, it'...
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Complex? Navigating the school system in Hawaii

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I had no idea what a complex school psychologist meant or how it would be different than my training in California...but it's really not as "complex" as you may think.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- District:  The statewide school system is divided into seven administrative districts, including Oahu’s Honolulu, Central, Leeward and Windward districts; the Big Island’s Hawaii district; Maui District has Maui, Molokai and Lanai; and the Kauai district. Within each district, smaller areas are divided into 'complex' areas, based on the high schools and all the feeder schools .  Honolulu School District:  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Complex:  The complex I work in is called Kaiser Complex and is in the East side of Oahu. There are four elemen...
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