High School versus College

Applicable Laws

  • HIGH SCHOOL
    I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973. I.D.E.A. is about SUCCESS
  • COLLEGE ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) ADAAA, Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973. ADA is about ACCESS

Required Documentation

High School

School provides evaluation at no cost to student resulting in qualifying for special education services as developed through an I.E.P.(Individualized Education Plan).

College

High School I.E.P. and 504 plans are not typically sufficient documentation. Documentation guidelines specify information needed for each category of disability.  If required, testing is done at the expense of the student not the school.

Current Documentation must provide information on specific nature of condition or disability, functional limitations, and demonstrate the need for specific accommodations.

Self-Advocacy

High School

Student is identified by the school and is supported by parents and teachers. Primary responsibility for arranging accommodations belongs to the school.

College

Student must self-identify. Primary responsibility for self-advocacy and arranging accommodations belongs to the student.

Parent Role

High School

Parent has access to student records and can participate in the accommodation process. Parent advocates for student.

College

Parent does not have access to student records without student's written consent. Student advocates for self.

Grades and Tests

High School

I.E.P. or 504 plan may include modifications to test format and/or grading. Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material. Makeup tests are often available. Teachers often remind students of assignment due dates, offer generous extensions and study guides for exams.

College

Grading and test format changes (i.e. multiple choice vs. essay) are generally not available. How tests are given (extended time, test proctors) are appropriate academic adjustments when supported by disability documentation. Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material. Professors expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus (outline); the syllabus spells out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due, and how you will be graded.

Students are expected to attend all classes, meet syllabus deadlines and participate in class discussions.

Study Responsibilities

High School

Tutoring and study support may be a service provided as part of an I.E.P. or 504 plan. Student's time and assignments are structured by others. Students may study outside of class as little as 0 to 2 hours a week, and this may be mostly last-minute test preparation and still succeed.

College

Tutoring DOES NOT fall under Disability Services and is not considered an academic adjustment or accommodation. Students with disabilities must seek out tutoring resources as they are available to all students. Students manage their own time and complete assignments independently. Students need to study at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class

Source: AHEAD.org