Parents often think that colleges offer special education classes, with adapted curriculum, similar to high school offerings. Some assume that they can call professors and have them change requirements for their students. They might believe that their child will continue to enjoy certain rights guaranteed by IDEA and still have an IEP plan. They’ve heard rumors that staff will monitor their student’s activities, and the college will assign an aide to accompany their student in class.
Sadly, none of that is true.
Parents are also uninformed about their students’ high school education. They frequently believe that their students’ grades are an indication of their academic preparation. Schools give As to students in special education classes; Students, who can’t read or do math on grade level, end up on the honor roll. Parents don’t understand grade inflation.
High school teachers and administrators know about the challenges of college for students with disabilities, but don’t tell parents sometimes for altruistic reasons. Teachers and staff tell me that parents should stay happy for as long as possible. After high school, parents will be in a super tough position with few great options for students, teachers think, so there’s no point in worrying about them now.
Apt. 11d 