Differences Between High School and College: IDEA vs. ADA
| Secondary School | Higher Education |
|---|---|
| Education is a right under IDEA and must be provided in an appropriate environment to all individuals. | Education is not a right. Students must meet admission criteria defined under ADA as "otherwise qualified". |
| School district is responsible to identify a student's disability. | Students must self-identify. |
| School district provides free testing, evaluation, and transportation to program. | Student must provide current and appropriate documentation as defined by the college. If documentation from high school is not adequate, student pays for additional testing and transport to program. |
| Transition planning and timelines exist to clarify students' vision, identify programming choices and coordinate appropriate coursework options. | Students make all coursework selections. |
| School district develops IEP to define educational supports and services under special education. | No IEP/special education in college. |
| IEP Team (including student) determines IEP supports and services that will be provided. | Student is responsible to contact faculty and advocate for services.* |
| Access to general curriculum, necessary modifications, and a variety of appropriate accommodations are available. | No fundamental alterations to the curriculum are made. Academic accommodations and modifications are available based on student's documented disability. |
| Personal services for medical or physical disability are required. | No personal services are required.** |
* Although responsibility lies with the student, DSS works closely to develop a Faculty Request for Services and will advocate if difficulty arises. ** Disability Support Services may assist students in efforts to advocate for such services.
| Differences in High School and College: DEPENDENCE vs. INDEPENDENCE | |
|---|---|
| Secondary School | Higher Education |
| School year is from September to June | School year is August-December, January-May |
| The main office exists as the center of activity for school. | Students are responsible to know where to locate information, assistance, study support |
| Rigid schedule with constant supervision | Greater flexibility of scheduling |
| Classes meet daily | Classes meet 1,2,3 or 4 times a week. |
| Attendance is taken. | Attendance policies at discretion of instructor |
| Guidance counselors or other staff schedule support services for students | Students connect with Disability Services staff and arrange all support services |
| Someone is available to help plan study time (teachers, SPED, parents) | Student responsible for setting and following through on all scheduling and study time |
| Classes generally held in one building | Classes are held at many different sites on campus |
| Average class is 35 - 45 minutes | Class times vary from 50 minutes - 4 hours |
| Daily contact w/teachers and support staff | Classes meet less frequently, impacting access to instructors and assistance |
| Parent permission required (until 18 years). | School responds to parent concerns Student is an adult with all decision making authority. Parent permission not required. |
| Students generally live at home. | Students are responsible for housing, transportation, finances, etc. |
This article was copied from www.thinkcollege.net.
