Intended Audience: Mentors
About
This article outlines the steps a Mentor must follow to create a Special Populations Record in the Student Learning Portal (SLP) for a student who has an active 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP). This record is essential for identifying and managing academic accommodations within Michigan Virtual courses.
Before Getting Started: Mentors must be logged into the SLP using their Mentor role. If the user account includes both Affiliation User and Mentor roles, it is important to switch to the Mentor account, as the process outlined below cannot be completed under the Affiliation User role. Additionally, the student must already be identified as having a 504 Plan or IEP within their student profile. Mentors cannot create a Special Populations Record for students without this indicator. Only an Affiliation User can modify a student’s profile to add this information. Instructions for doing so can be found in the Edit Student Information guide.
Instruction
Creating the Special Populations Record
Once the student's profile includes the required 504 or IEP designation, the Mentor should follow these steps:
- From the top menu bar in the SLP, select the Students tab.
- In the left navigation menu, choose the Special Population Filter. A table will appear listing students, their grade levels, and Special Populations status.
- In the Special Populations column, locate the appropriate student and select the "Special Populations Record" link.
This will open the Special Populations Record screen. The Mentor should then click Create New IEP or Create New 504 to begin.
Entering Record Details
- If applicable, enter the document expiration date (required for IEPs only).
- From the dropdown menus, select the student’s accommodations based on the student’s official 504 Plan or IEP.
- Check the Local Support Accommodations box if the listed accommodations will be met and supported at the local level.
Additional Accommodations:
- Michigan Virtual Course-Level Accommodations: Select applicable options. A list of common accommodations is available for reference in the Special Populations: Mentor Info and Cheat Sheet.
- Integrated Accommodations: Choose relevant accommodations. This section is also supported by the cheat sheet.
- Other: Use this field to document any accommodations not listed in the pre-filled options.
- If no listed accommodations apply to online learning, check the Applicable Academic Accommodations box to indicate this.
Uploading Documentation
Under the Documentation section, upload the student’s official 504 or IEP file.
Important: This upload is required—Michigan Virtual cannot process or approve the Special Populations Record without valid supporting documentation from the local school.
Saving and Submitting the Record
Once all information is entered:
- Select Save as Draft to return to the form later, or
- Select Save to submit the completed record for review.
A record must be saved—either as a draft or final submission—for Michigan Virtual staff to be notified and for accommodations to be reviewed and applied appropriately.