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Parents FAQ

1. How is college different from high school?

  • When entering the college, fundamental changes occur regarding students with disabilities. All students attending K-12 have a legal entitlement to an education and the right to a high school diploma, regardless of a disability (IDEA). The student must also receive an education in the least restrictive environment possible. But a student with a disability might sometimes be separated from peers for special attention. And sometimes parents and teachers must work together, sharing in the responsibility of helping the student achieve academic success.

  • In higher education, your student has a civil right to access to education, and an equal opportunity to obtain a college degree.  The fundamental principle at work is the assumption of integration and that the student is solely responsible for her/his own actions—achieving success or experiencing failure.

2. Who will manage my student's educational services?

At the college level, students manage their own educational services. Students have the right to seek out services. Parents can help students develop the necessary self advocacy skills while still in high school. Encourage your student to be an active participant in her/his IEP meetings. Process the outcome of the IEP meeting with your student. Your student should know her/his specific diagnosis, how it affects her/his ability to learn, and how accommodations help her/him access the classroom.

3. Why can't you disclose any information about my student's services?

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1976 (FERPA), only the student has the right to access his/her records upon request. This means that parents do not have a legal right to access their student's grades, transcripts, or any information concerning the student's provided through SAS.

Although records are confidential, students may sign a release of information form that gives the institution permission to disclose information to the parent. The only time a student's record may be disclosed with out written consent would be to comply with a subpoena, or in an emergency situation that threatens the health and safety of the student or another individual.