Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Long, Ph.D. — Director of Special Education, 32 years in public schools.
Largely yes, though the legal source differs. Section 504 doesn't contain IDEA's detailed discipline regulations, but the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has long interpreted Section 504 to work the same way in practice: a "significant change in placement" — generally an exclusion of more than 10 consecutive school days, or a pattern of shorter removals that add up to more than 10 days — triggers the right to a manifestation determination before the school can proceed. If the team finds the behavior was caused by the disability, or resulted from the school failing to implement the 504 plan, the school cannot move forward with the expulsion or long-term removal. The practical difference is that IDEA's rules are spelled out in detailed regulations while 504's come from OCR's interpretation — so districts sometimes apply less consistent procedures to 504 students, which is worth watching closely.
Dr. Long's Assistant answers your specific questions in plain language — built from Dr. Long's expertise, plus state and federal law read at the source — never the open internet.
Get started →This is educational information, not legal advice. IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and state rules may differ by situation.
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