How much time shouls be given to students with a learning disability?
Gang, how long should learners with disabilities be allowed to complete assignments? I have seen 2-4 weeks at different colleges. I personlly think 2 weeks is fine but 4 weeks a little strained. What are your thoughts? Gary
In my state you must present a writen diagnosis by a physician that the student needs accomdation of addational time to take tests. You can not ask the student if they have a learning disorder as it is protected privicey . Usually the student or parent will approch the director of the instution and present the certificate... other was now extra time is granted.
Gary,
I do not think you can have a set policy on this. Students with disabilities have special needs. It is the need that will determine the correct answer. I had a student who was visually impaired in my classroom. He needed to use his Braille machine in order to take my exams. The machine was at home. How do you handle giving the test to a student to take home? Trust. It was either that or have him take it w/a tutor. That way the tutor had to read the test to him. But he was unable to use his resources that were already converted to Braille. I ended up letting him take the test home because that was what was best for him - AND I did trust him. Different student - may not have the same policy. Answer - case be case basis.
I agree that recommendations are on an individualized basis... What works for one does not always translate to another.. and the student's abilities will also change over time.
Interesting perspective Angela, one thing that sticks out in my mind is how you should approach the student to find out this information. Not all students will be willing to explain that they have a learning disability or they may not have been diagnosed depending on the severity. As for the time though I would certainly agree that you should take it on a case by case basis, in this situation you can not have a one size fits all approach.
William
I do think that extra time is needed in many cases, but that time should also be within the school's timeline for completion of a term. When there are several assignments within a given term and they are sequenced, that last installment may not give a student with disabilities enough wiggle room for completion with extra time allotted. It may be useful to give that assignment -- or allow extra time at the outset of the course -- to that student ahead of time.
This is good advice, Angela! Adults who have a background of learning challenges are also sometimes willing to communicate what has worked for them in the past as to the comprehension and application of information.
Thanks for your comments!
Jay
ED106 Facilitator
I think it depends on university policy and what has been recommended previously for that student. Was the student successful in high school, and maybe had an IEP specifying extra time? That may be something to base your policy on. I think it also depends on the severity of the disability. Is there a doctor’s assessment done on the student that can help you? I would just use all the resources I could get my hands on to come up with my policy, if there wasn’t one already in place by the university.
