Jane Jarrow

Karen, I'll bet you are a terrific instructor! What you describe here is a student-centered approach that pulls the best out of a student -- any student (disabled or not). I hope your students appreciate you! Dr. Jane Jarrow

Anthony, That's it exactly. We never know where or how the experience will be used. The statistics suggest that something in the neighborhood of 40% of the jobs that people will hold in 10 years do not exist today. How students -- ANY students -- parlay their learning into something useful for themselves is up to them. Dr. Jane Jarrow

jason, Sounds as though you are in the lucky position of having an institutional administration who understands the obligations and has taken the responsibility of making things happen -- for both you AND the students. Dr. Jane Jarrow

william, And not all students with disabilities! It isn't the disability that qualifies one for extended time, only those whose functional limitations make it appropriate. Dr. Jane Jarrow

william, That's always the key... find a situation that plays off your strengths rather than trying to force your way through the weaknesses. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Paul, I tend to agree. Faculty only "need to know" information if they could or should do something different as a result of that information. Knowing the medical or legal details of the student's disability doesn't change the necessity of making the assigned accommodation. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Patricia, I'm not sure I understand exactly what you are suggesting here... but I think it is problematic. If you are suggesting that the student should take the test with everyone else and then, if they ask for it, get some extra attention or time -- that's a violation of the student's right to equal access. If someone has assigned the student the accommodation of additional time, that is NOT provided by simply saying "try it like everyone else and then if you have a problem, we'll see about it." Dr. Jane Jarrow

Patricia, You are probably right about the pilot, but I can think of a number of law enforcement jobs that don't necessarily require being able to walk -- from evidence clerk and lab technician to desk sergeant and dispatcher. Thinking outside the box is the way to keep options open. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Paul, Exactly. The key here is "each according to their need." We give "enough" support to each student, whether tha is a lot or a little. Dr. Jane Jarrow

Paul, Almost! The accommodations provide an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and be successful. It is the chance to try, not the success itself, that is the goal. Dr. Jane Jarrow