nikiharp, would you be willing to share any details about why this teacher is rumored to be undesirable? If you have good reason for concern, and if you feel that her teaching style (or other issues) are a bad fit for your ds with re to his challenges in particular, then I'd ask for a different teacher (from that perspective). But make the request a request geared toward a conflict between the teacher's teaching style and your ds' needs - you can still complement the teacher while making it clear that your ds needs something different - you don't have to come across as picky and entitled and all that when requesting a teacher change. Keep the focus on your ds' needs, it's not about the teacher.
No matter what, you need to request the 504. Are you sure it's a 504 your ds needs or does he need an IEP? Either way, you know he needs one or the other. You need to turn in a written request *now* so that the school is on notice to start the process. When you have a conversation, no one at the school has any binding responsibility to follow through, but a written request from a parent has to be "answered" within a certain time frame. You can make the request in a very friendly, polite manner, but still be clear - you're requesting a team meeting to put together a 504 plan for your ds who has a dysgraphia diagnosis and who needs accommodations in the classroom to be able to fully access his education.
If you want to request a teacher change, you could put that in this same letter and state that you have concerns re this teacher's (flexibility, emphasis on handwriting, whatever) - I *think*. Truthfully it would be a good idea if you can find one to ask a local parent advocate for some advice in putting your letter together. For all the great advice you can get online, local advice is also really important. Our advocates actually were familiar with some of the teachers and definitely school principals etc in our district (they become familiar with them as they help different parents who are struggling to advocate).
Last thing - I am guessing that you've actually talked with this teacher (at "Meet the Teacher") - if you do ask for a different teacher, you can cite concerns you have after talking to her at this initial "meet" meeting. That might carry a tiny bit more wait than just making a request based on input from other parents etc.
Good luck - let us know how everything goes -
polarbear
