Just when I thought I had my blog topic all worked out I was asked to sit on a panel at Friday Forum.

Together with Scott Herzberg and Dan Goodchild, we tackled the subject of: How to Handle Difficult Situations in the Classroom. We talked procedures, myths vs. facts, best practices, what ifs and a new blog topic was born.

The comment which prompted this missive? “One of the students you approved for a peer note taker in my class is just sleeping and not paying attention during lectures.” The unspoken question was, “Is that how this is supposed to work?” So, I sat there for a second imagining the instructor picturing me having this conversation with her student:

Student: Hi Leanne. I am here to request a note taker in class because of my disability. Here is my documentation.

Me: Great. Let me take a look at your paperwork…Yes, you qualify for a peer note taker. We will call from the class list and find a volunteer. The volunteer will sign a contract, pick up some note paper from us, and we’ll give him or her a gift card to the bookstore to show our appreciation. All you have to do is settle in to catch some zzz’s and relax. In fact, if you have the Netflix app you can watch a movie. It won’t matter because you’ll get notes from your classmate. No need to listen to the lecture or participate at all.

Student: Cool. Thanks.

When in reality my part of the conversation went more like this:

Me: Great. Let me take a look at your paperwork…Yes, you qualify for a peer note taker. We will call from the class list and find a volunteer. The volunteer will sign a contract, pick up some note paper from us, and we’ll give him or her a gift card to the bookstore to show our appreciation. You are still expected to take notes as best you can. It would be unacceptable for you to just sit there not making an attempt. And, if you’re absent the note taker is under no obligation to supply the notes to you. Does that make sense?

Bottom line – the students with a disability need to participate to the full extent of their ability. Naturally, if the note taker is provided due to a physical condition which makes writing impossible that student will not be required to take notes. But, they still need to be respectful, attentive students. Expect the best out of all of your students, including the ones receiving accommodations.

As always, I’m here if you have any questions.