Laws
Just as there are changes and differences between academic expectations and requirements between high school and college, there are differences between the laws pertaining to high school versus college. Refer to the Parents & Guidance Counselors page for a more specifics concerning IDEA and ADAA.
| High School | College |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 | Americans with Disability Act, amended 2008 (ADAA) Americans with Disability Act, amended 2008 (ADAA) |
| Parents play an important role in developing an educational plan for the student. | The adult student, not the parent, drives the accommodations process. |
| Parents play an important role in developing an educational plan for the student. | Covers students with disabilities regardless of age. |
| Schools are required to identify students with disabilities through free assessment and the individualized education program (IEP) process. | Students are required to submit documentation establishing their disability and need for accommodations. Services are only provided once a student self-identifies and provides adequate documentation. Postsecondary institutions are not required to evaluate or test students. Payments of evaluations are the student's responsibility. |
| Students receive special education and related services to address needs based on an identified disability. | Formal education services are not available. |
| Services include individually designed instruction, modifications, and accommodations based on the IEP. | Reasonable accommodations may be made to provide equal access and participation. |
| Progress toward IEP goals is monitored and communicated to the parents and/or student. | Students are required to monitor their own progress and communicate their needs to appropriate personnel. |