Smyrna Primary School 200 Walnut Street Smyrna, TN 37167 Ph: 615-904-6720 Fax: 615-355-5609
STUDENT ASSISTANCE TEAM (SAT) The Student Assistance Team is a committee that includes, but not limited to: School Counselor, School Administrator, Teacher, 504 Coordinator, School Psychologist, Parent, Behavior Specialist, Nurse, ATLAS Liason, RTI2 Coach, Special Education Teacher, and others as necessary. The Committee meets to discuss the student, review all data, and make recommendations on the best way to meet your child’s educational needs. The SAT process begins when a teacher, parent or staff member recognizes that a student may need assistance with academics, behavior or medical issues and contacts the SAT chairperson, usually the Assistant Principal or the School Counselor. During the SAT Meeting, the committee reviews your child’s educational status and looks at all the data presented to determine the most appropriate educational plan for your child. At the end of the meeting, the team will determine if more information is required; initiate additional instructional strategies/interventions; refer for a formal Section 504; refer for a formal Special Education evaluation; or terminate the process.
Section 504 A Section 504 student is defined as an individual who has, has had, or is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment which substantially impacts one or more major life activities including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, or performing manual tasks. Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met. A 504 plan is a legal document falling under the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is designed to plan a program of instructional services to assist students with special needs who are in a regular education setting. A 504 plan is not an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as is required for special education students. There are essentially four steps for placing a student on a 504 plan: 1. A student is referred by teacher, support staff, parent/legal guardian, physician, or therapist. On occasion, a student may initiate a self-referral. 2. A 504 plan meeting is held. 3. A plan for the student is developed. 4. A review date is set. At Smyrna Primary School, the School Counselor is the 504 Coordinator. The 504 Committee is a group of individuals knowledgeable about the student. Their purpose is to provide
intervention strategies, supports, and to recommend services, which will allow the student to perform with greater success. A typical 504 committee will include the student, parent/legal guardian, teachers, and principals. Support staff (i.e. nurse, psychologist, language/speech pathologist) as well as the student's physician or therapist may be involved in the placement process as well, usually through medical release forms and other written correspondence.
