Accommodations in BCHS

Since there can be differences between IEP and BC course accommodations, the Bellevue College Disability Resource Center (DRC) has identified which accommodations do not require additional review and approval, as such accommodations generally will not fundamentally alter the BC course outcomes for students with a documented IEP (See Section C). Additionally, the DRC has identified a small number of accommodations that require additional review and approval (See Section B). Once the case has been documented with the DRC, the Bellevue College in the High School program and the classroom instructor are then able to discuss and provide the services and accommodations, timeline, and policies, as well as decide what may and may not be allowed for BC credit with each student’s situation. Finally, as noted in Section A, institutions of higher education are generally unable to approve modifications to curriculum.

If a IEP contains modifications to the curriculum, you should know that higher education institutions are not generally able to approve such modifications. Students and families (with FERPA approval from the student) may wish to meet staff from your high school and BC to discuss alternate accommodations for Bellevue College in the High School coursework.

Flexible Absences – Action is required by instructors to initiate this accommodation. Please collaboratively complete the online agreement at NEED URL. For this accommodation to be valid, the submitted agreement must be approved and on-file with the DRC. The agreement allows for course specific attendance flexibility and arrangements for assignments due the day of an absence. For absences due to disability-related symptoms, the student must notify the instructor in advance or by the end of the day of the class missed.

Alternatives to Participation – Some students may have difficulty formulating an immediate verbal response to questions, speech disfluencies, difficulty reading aloud, etc. If oral expression is NOT a fundamental requirement of the course, you may consider allowing the student to complete an oral assignment using a different format.

The following identified accommodations generally will not fundamentally alter the course outcomes for Bellevue College in the High School courses and may be approved for students with a documented IEP or 504 plan:

ADMIN – Alternative Format Material

All classroom materials and exams must be provided to the student in an alternative format prior to use.

Classroom – Alternative Format Text

All classroom materials and exams must be available to the student in an alternative format prior to use. This may include (but is not limited to) braille or accessible electronic formats.

Classroom – Closed Captioning

All videos shown in class must be presented with closed captioning.

Classroom – Closed Captioning/Face Student

Face student when speaking in classroom.

Classroom – Closed Captioning/Film Access

Provide student with access to classroom films.

Classroom – Closed Captioning/Repeat Questions

Repeat questions and summarize comments from classmates.

Classroom – Interpreter

The student requires an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for lecturers and exam instruction.

Classroom – Laptop

The student may use a laptop or tablet to take notes in the classroom. Improper use of the device such as using it for non-class-related activities will result in the loss of this accommodation.

Classroom – Large Print

Classroom materials and texts must be provided electronically or in a large print format. Font size will be specified on the memo.

Classroom – Notes

Copies of class notes from a peer must be made available to the student unless the notes are posted by the instructor to Canvas.

Classroom – Permission to Eat/Drink

The student has permission to have food and drink in the classroom due to disability-related needs.

Classroom – Permission to Record

The student is allowed to record class lectures and discussions using DRC-approved software – Sonocent, smart pen, or OneNote. The student may not share the recordings with other students. Sharing of recordings would result in removal of this accommodation; using direct quotes would be considered plagiarism and subject to referral to the Office of Student Conduct.

Classroom – Permission to Stand

The student has permission to stand at the back of the classroom as needed to alleviate disability-related symptoms.

Classroom – Permission to Use Medical Monitor

The student has permission to monitor their medical condition with an electronic device in the classroom.

Classroom – Preferential Seating

The student must be given the opportunity to select a seat that allows best access to the material or quick access to an exit in case of a medical emergency.

Classroom – Video Description

Verbal description of visual content (i.e. Audio description – AD). Verbalization of visual content (such as videos, images and whiteboard drawings) which conveys the essential elements to the listener. The amount of AD is dependent on the complexity of visuals. This may be pre-recorded (ATAC), an explanation by the instructor, or require the help of an in-class sighted assistant.

Exam – Alternative Setting (Private)

The student must be tested in a private setting with only a proctor present.

Exam – Alternate Setting (Reduced Distraction)

The student must be tested in a distraction reduced environment that is proctored and free from constant interruptions. The number of students in the testing room will be determined by the size of the space. In a typical size classroom that seats about 30-35 students, this would be appropriate for 10 students or less. In a very large lecture hall, up to 30 students may be reasonably tested if they can be spread out and less distracting when finishing the exam at different times.

Exam – Calculator

The student is allowed a simple calculator (T1-10 or Four-function) for math and math-related tests, quizzes, or exams where basic calculations are not the focus of the assessment or an essential course component. Please note: a calculator is not allowed in basic math courses. Additional permission from the Department of Mathematics may be required.

Exam – Dictation

The student is permitted to dictate test answers to either voice response adaptive software or another recording device.

Exam – Extended Time (1.5X)

The student is allowed time and a half (an additional 50%) on timed tests, quizzes, exams, and in-class written assignments. Arrangements for unscheduled quizzes should be addressed with student during Memo meeting with instructor. If needed, contact DSS for alternative recommendations for unscheduled quizzes.

Exam – Extended Time (1.5X) MATH ONLY

The student is allowed time and a half (an additional 50%) on timed tests, quizzes, exams, and in-class math-related written assignments. Arrangements for unscheduled quizzes should be addressed with student during Memo meeting with instructor. If needed, contact the DRC for alternative recommendations for unscheduled quizzes.

Exam – Extended Time (2x)

The student is allowed double time (an additional 100%) on timed tests, quizzes, exams, and in-class written assignments. Arrangements for unscheduled quizzes should be addressed with student during Memo meeting with instructor.

Exam – Extended Time (2x) MATH ONLY

The student is allowed double time (an additional 100%) on timed tests, quizzes, exams, and in-class written math-related assignments. Arrangements for unscheduled quizzes should be addressed with student during Memo meeting with instructor.

Exam – Extended Time (2x) ESSAY ONLY

The student is allowed double time (an additional 100%) on timed essay exams.

Exam – No Scantrons

The student is permitted to mark answers directly on his/her copy of the exam.

Exam – Scribe

The student is permitted to dictate test answers to a proctor who will function as a scribe.

Exam – Spelling Forgiveness

Spelling forgiveness, or the use of an electronic speller for in-class tests, quizzes, exams, and in-class written assignments is permitted when spelling is not the focus of the assessment or an essential course component.

Exam – Stop the Clock Breaks

The student is allowed to take stop-the-clock breaks on exams. This accommodation is for disability-related symptoms. The student may not leave the exam room and a break is NOT to exceed ten (10) minutes for every 60 minutes of exam time.

Exam – Test Reader (Software or Proctor)

A proctor must read the exam to the student.

Exam – Word Processor

The student is allowed a word processor for exams with an essay format.

Exam – Written Instruction

The student requires a written copy of any verbal instructions given prior to a test, exam, or assignment.

X – Animal (Service)

Service animals are recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with disabilities. They are permitted in all college buildings and facilities except some laboratories and kitchens for the safety of the dog.

Using the form below, instructors or designated school contacts will share with the DRC which students in the BCHS course have been approved for accommodations via an IEP or 504 plan.


Last Updated August 14, 2024