Services in K-12 vs. Higher Education: What are the Differences?
Questions? Contact Us!
Jennifer Argo
Disabilities Services Coordinator
jdargo@dmacc.edu
515-964-6850
Sharon Bittner
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
sgbittner@dmacc.edu
515-964-6857
| Topic | K-12 | Higher Education |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education | Yes, for students who qualify | Special Education is not available for students once they graduate from high school |
| Individualized Education Program (IEP) | Yes, meetings are held each year | No, once students graduate from high school, they no longer have an IEP |
| Identification | The school assists in identifying students with disabilities | Students must self-identify in order to qualify |
| Evaluation | District is responsible for conducting 3-year reevaluations and covering the cost | Students are responsible for seeking an evaluation and for covering the cost |
| 1:1 Aide | IEP team determines if this is necessary | Not available as the ADA states this is "personal assistant"; students and family would hire their own individual |
| Modified Curriculum and/or Self-Contained Classroom | IEP team determines students are able to participate in general education curriculum and if not, the curriculum is modified or a different curriculum is used | Modifications are not allowed because it fundamentally changes the course and the competencies; students must use the same textbooks, materials, and must complete the same requirements as all students |
| Parental Contact | Communication is encouraged and is required for the development of the IEP as well as the annual review | Students must sign consent for the college faculty/staff to speak to anyone but the student; only done via USPS or in-person with a photo ID (FERPA requirement) |
| Test Reader | May have someone read the test and define words or “re-word” the question so students can better understand | Will read the test word for word; may not define words or assist in any other way |
| Transportation and/or specialized transportation | Provided and paid for by the school district | Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation as well as paying for the service |
| Assistive Technology | School district provides it to the student at no cost; students may borrow items until they graduate | Some items are available for use on campus; other items students may borrow on a first-come, first-served basis or students purchases on their own |
| Responsibility | Parents & teachers assist students and remind students of what needs to get done | Student are responsible for getting things done and for requesting assistance as needed |
| Collaboration | Parents, teachers, and students all work together to ensure that the student is progressing, needs are being met, accommodations are being made, etc. | Students work with their instructors and the Disability Services Office to implement accommodations; students are responsible for meeting with their instructors to give them the necessary paperwork |
| Receiving Services for a Disability | Students are staffed into special education, if needed, or a 504 Plan is developed | Students must apply for services and must also submit professional documentation of their disability to support their request and to be identified as a person who is eligible for services |
| Success | Many professionals collaborate with students and parents to ensure that students are successful | Success is not guaranteed; the ADA ensures that students with disabilities have equal access in college and that they are provided with the same opportunities |
| Textbooks | If needed, alternate reading materials are used based on the student's grade level | All textbooks are college-level reading materials; scanned textbooks are available for students who qualify |
| Documentation | The district evaluates the student; they do not necessarily need to provide the school with any paperwork, although some parents may have information to share | Students are responsible for providing the institution with that information; may be an IEP or 504 Plan but these cannot be “transferred” to the college; they are used to determine the history of services and what items in the document may be provided in college |
| Contact Person | Students typically have one person at the school as a “main contact” for parents (i.e., IEP Teacher) | Students may have several individuals they work with including Disability Services staff, Academic Advisors, Counselors, Instructors, etc. |
| Make-Up Exams and Re-Takes | Some students may have this available to them as part of their IEP | Instructors get to determine if they will allow make-up exams and there are no re-takes for students who fail the exam or who do not use their accommodations |