Differences Between High School and College
| High School | College |
|---|---|
| The applicable law is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA | The applicable law is the Americans with Disabilities Act or the ADA and Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act |
| IDEA is about success | The ADA is about access |
| Fundamental modifications of programs and curricula are required | No fundamental modifications - only accommodations |
| Education is a right and must be provided in an appropriate environment to all individuals | Education is not a right - students must meet certain admission criteria |
| The school district is responsible for identifying a student's disability | Students must self-identify |
| The school district develops Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to define educational services | Students must identify needs and request services - no IEP exists and is not always sufficient documentation |
| The school district provides free evaluations | The student must obtain evaluations at own expense |
| Student is supported by parents and teachers | Student is responsible for seeking assistance from the Disability Services Office |
| Primary responsibility for arranging modifications belongs to the school | Primary responsibility for self-advocacy and arranging accommodations belongs to the student (who may seek assistance from Disability Services) |
| Personal services for medical and physical disabilities are required (i.e., Personal Care Attendant) | No personal services are required - however, the Disability Services Office may assist the student in advertising for such services |
| Parent has access to student records and can participate in the IEP process | Parent does not have access to student records without student's written consent |
| Parent advocates for student | Student must advocate for self |
| School year runs from September - June | School year is divided into 2 semesters: from September to December and from January to May |
| Classes meet daily | Classes meet 1,2,3, or 4 times a week |
| Classes are generally held in the same building | Classes are held in many different sites on campus |
| The average length of a class is 35-45 minutes | Classes vary in length from 50 min to 3 hours |
| Daily contact with teachers | Classes meet less frequently which will impact on access to instructors and assistance |
| The student needs the parent's permission in most instances | The student is an adult and parent permission is not required |
| Guidance counselors or other 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 building | The student is responsible for knowing where to go to obtain information and assistance |
| Classes consist of about 30 students | Classes may consist of about 100 students |
| Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates | Professors expect you to read, save and consult the course syllabus (outline); this tells the student exactly what is expected of him/her, when it is due and how it will be graded |
| High school is paid for by tax dollars that go to the school district | The student is responsible for applying for financial aid or arranging some type of payment |
Adapted from Institute for Community Inclusion, 2004.
