Instructor Participation
How would you approach an instructor that does not comply with accommodations set in place at the school? If an instructor states that students will not be given accommodations because it is "special" treatment, how would we help them understand the dynamics involved?
Unfortunately, the student left school. Perhaps more importantly, the instuctor no longer works at my college.
David,
I've never understood it, either, David. I think in many cases, the instructor is thinking about "fairness" and has confused equal treatment with equal access. They are not the same.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I don't think that I understand why an instructor would not allow the accommodations. My primary function as an instructor is to help my students do well in class. If a student didn't understand something I would try to find a better way to help them understand. So why wouldn't I allow the accommodations if it meant just that?
John,
I would suggest that someone in authority at the institution sit down and have a long talk with the English instructor. The instructor doesn't have (shouldn't have!) either the right or the authority to "not allow" accommodations that have been determined as necessary. Besides the immediate impact on the student's educational career, there are legal implications here, both for the instructor AND for the institution!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I completely understand Melissa’s situation. I teach math and I have a student who thrives when his accommodations are followed. He is failing in his English class because his instructor will not allow his accommodations. What would you suggest?
Melissa,
That depends on whether you think the instructor can be taught, or whether you don't care if he/she agrees so long as it gets done. If it is the first, I would sit down with the instructor, talk them through the intent of 504/ADA, and give examples of how the required accommodations provide equal access. If this is someone who you know isn't going to be reasonable, then I would say (essentially), "You misunderstand. We are not asking for your cooperation. We are telling you that this is what you must do. The college doesn't have a choice and neither do you!"
Dr. Jane Jarrow
