EEOC: Diploma Requirement May Violate ADA

Why Does This Agency Exist?








I’m sure it’s merely assumed at present.

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6 Responses to EEOC: Diploma Requirement May Violate ADA

  1. dnr says:

    Is this yet another way to skirt immigration laws as well?

  2. dnr says:

    Pressed reply too soon. Wanted to say that there are untold numbers of high school graduates who have been labeled "learning disabled." I was talking with a friend this week whose son has a variety of physical and learning issues. He was homeschooled for much of his school career, and when he was a senior in high school, he could have avoided the challenge of higher math and received a "certificate of completion" instead of a diploma. Because his parents and he recognized his potential would be severely limited with this alternative, and compounded by his lifetime physical and learning issues, she and he worked especially hard to master his math. She said sometimes it meant reviewing everything he had just learned in order to progress to the next day's topic. Her son was going to have to work harder for his diploma, but he did. It must have been exhausting for them both, but it was something that she will never regret.

    • MarkAmerica says:

      DNR, sounds like devoted parents. I think your larger point is correct: Learning disabilities need not be an obstacle to High School Diplomas in all cases.

  3. Adrienne says:

    When I taught religious ed at my church to the 7th – 12th graders, it was common for a 12th grader to not be able to write a complete sentence, spell, or punctuate. And these were the kids considered the top tier at our local high school. It was appalling. I can well imagine what a high school drop out would be capable of doing.

    I'm also tired of hearing about all these "disorders." I'm 66 and I have ADD. I also have two college degrees and received no help when I was in the lower grades since they really didn't even have a name to apply to what is just a different way of learning – NOT a disorder. Whenever they stick a name of something it's a way of getting money.

  4. As one who has taught those with learning differences over the past 40 years, I can categorically state that such differences do not interfere with getting a diploma.

    Certain things DO, of course, result in the denial of a diploma: completing the course of study (IEP's do accommodate those with learning differences), disciplinary infractions, AND teachers who don't have the proper skills to teach.

    If someone has serious learning differences (not speaking of low IQ here), then the parents of that child should homeschool that child. Believe me, there are wonderful homeschool networks out there, and in those networks you find professional teachers such as I who specialize in diagnostic and prescriptive teaching; it is this method that solves most of the academic problems resulting from all sorts of learning differences.

    You'll notice that I keep using the term "learning differences." I'm using that term because it is much more accurate than "learning disabilities." I have many successful graduates who were given up on by schools, public and private.

    Recommended reading: Be Different by John Elder Robison. Google search that name!