...
Class Structure and Teacher Expectations
| High School | College |
|---|---|
Classes meet daily | Classes typically meet 1-3 times per week |
The average length of a class is 35-45 minutes | Classes vary in length from 50 minutes to 3 hours |
Daily contact with teachers is a standard | Classes meetless frequently which impacts access to course instructors |
Guidance counselorsor other school staff schedule support services for students | The student must make arrangements for support services |
A main office exists as the center of activity for the school | The student is responsible for knowing where to go to obtain information and assistance |
Teachers often take time to remind students of assignments and due dates | Professors expect the student to read the course syllabus (outline); this tells the student exactly what is expected, when assignments are due and how they will be graded |
Student progress is monitored by teachers and communicated to parents | Students monitor their own progress and are responsible for communicating with their parents |
Disability Accommodations and Services
High School | College |
Applicable law is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] | Applicable laws are the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], the ADA Amendments Act [ADAAA], and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 |
The IDEA law focuses on success | ADA laws focus on access |
Modificationsof programs and curricula are required | Only reasonable adjustments/supports are required; cannot fundamentally alter the course |
School districtis responsible for identifying a student’s disability | The student must self-identify |
The school district develops Individualized Education Plans [IEPs] to define special education services | Students must identify needs and request services |
The school district provides free evaluations | The student must obtain evaluations at his/her own expense–IEPs are often insufficient documentation to verify a student’s disability |
Parent has access to student records and can participate in the IEP process | Parent does not have access to any student records without the student’s written consent (FERPA release of information) |
Parent advocates for the student | The student must self-advocate |
More information can be found in the U.S. Department of Education website: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html
...