What about when different is outside the realm?
I folks, I once had a student in a class who had brain damage, could not find a page number in the book etc., Services wanted to keep her for a "head count," but was it right to continue to enroll someone who we knew might require services or a type far beyond what we might be able to provide?
Martha Moore
This makes me wonder about what sort of entrance requirements were in place. Many schools have fairly low entry barriers but this seems over the top.
If this situation is allowed to continue it would negatively impact the retention of the other students. If I enrolled in a school and looked around at the other students in one of my classes and saw folks with severe brain damage, I would be out of there pretty quickly.
Hi Jamila,
Thank you for these excellent comments about student placement and success.
Gary
I agree, Gary. When I attended college many moons ago, the initial intake process was very thorough. I was given multiple assessments and put into core classes that were akin to my educational level and educational goals. In this situation, a student that should not be enrolled in a program that they would not be able to succeed in, is contrary to goals of the institution. This can tarnish the reputation of the school and put this student at a financial disadvantage.
I agree that counseling the student into another area was best. Her Mother was not happy, for she wanted her daughter to have the college degree, probably in denial about the trauma, and though the college wanted the "head count" continuing to keep her enrolled was not the right thing to do for anyone.
Martha Moore
Hi Martha,
As an educator that has worked in the disability field for many years I feel we have to be candid in our abilities to help individuals in certain settings. If the student with TBI could not do the work as a result of the injury then that student should be counseled into a course or career selection in which she could be successful. It is unfair to her to keep her in a course just for head count when she is not going to be able to be successful. By placing her in a setting where she can acquire skills needed for career success everyone will be benefiting.
Gary
