Special Education Services FAQ

The following list answers questions most often asked by students, parents, sending schools, and Metro Tech staff members in regard to Special Education Services.

We will update this page periodically to provide the best information.

When should I notify Metro Tech about my / my student's disability?

As soon as possible. For high school students, Metro Tech needs to be informed upon acceptance into one of our programs. This will allow us time to establish a meeting with the sending school and/or authorized caregivers to develop accommodations and services tailored to the student.

For adults, we prefer that you notify us before you begin the Accuplacer testing process. This allows us to maximize any potential accommodations and services from the very beginning of your experience with Metro Tech.

What if I don't want (want my child) to have special education services at Metro Tech?

For public high school students on an IEP or 504 plan at their sending school, this would need to be very specifically documented within the existing plan.For homeschooled students and adult students, the student would either:

1. simply not disclose any disability; (or)
2. if a disability were disclosed, waive services.

Any qualified student with a disability may request services at any time, regardless of any prior waiver of services. However, a plan must be put together in order for those services to be provided. The time it takes to put that plan together will vary based on a student's status.

How do I (does my child) qualify for services at Metro Tech?

Please see our "For Students" section which goes into detail about the qualification process for each type of student at Metro Tech.

If I (my child) am not allowed to come to my sending school due to discipline issues, am I (is my child) allowed to come to Metro Tech?

This question is answered on a case-by-case basis.

This is an extremely sensitive issue due to the individual nature of each case, student involved, and qualifying disability plus the possible manifestation of the disability. The Oklahoma Department of Career Tech provides an in-depth FAQ guide to Disciplinary Removal of Students with Disabilities here.

NOTE: This guide is written to administrators of high schools and careertech programs. If you have any questions, please contact Special Education Services or the Department of Career Tech.

Does Metro Tech offer job skills / skills-based, non-certification training for students with disabilities who may not meet program admission requirements?

Currently, Metro Tech does not offer any non-certification training for students with disabilities. Metro Tech does participate in Project SEARCH for students with significant disabilities. However, this program is much different from a job skills or skills-based program that other careertech centers may offer in conjunction with their regular courses of study. 

What are the responsibilities of my (child's) sending school in assuring appropriate accommodations and services are in place at Metro Technology Centers?

1. Under the Standards for Accreditation of Oklahoma Schools, for a student to be legally enrolled, the technology center must receive a copy of the student's IEP before they arrive on campus.
2. Promptly schedule an addendum meeting for a student's IEP or 504 plan which includes the technology center program representative and special education representative. An INITIAL meeting should be held before a student begins the career and technology education program of study.
3. Establish clear standards and procedures of communication concerning students' IEP and 504 plans, services, accommodations, and meetings.
4. All courses being taken for credit must be documented on the IEP including the course/program-specific competencies, according to the Standards for Accreditation of Oklahoma Schools.
5. In conjunction with the career and technology center, decide who will report on progress, especially if a CTE-related goal is included on the IEP.

What are Metro Tech's responsibilities to me (my child) in assuring appropriate accommodations and services?

1. Promptly notify a high school upon acceptance of a student into a Metro Tech program of study.

2. Allow a student with a disability to enroll in any program based on:
   1. Documented interest,
   2. Ability to benefit from training,
   3. Work history,
   4. IEP provisions,
   5. Accommodation plans,
   6. Plans of study developed with the sending school or in cooperation with other agencies.
3. Provide procedural safeguards for all students with disabilities regardless of high school or adult student status.
4. Implement the Section 504 process for any qualified student with a disability who/whose:
   1. Requests services as an adult student,
   2. Requests services as a homeschooled student with no existing plan from another education agency,
   3. Sending school does not promptly respond to requests to schedule a team meeting to address a student's needs
5. Provide procedural safeguards for all students with disabilities regardless of high school or adult student status.

I am (My child is) an English Learner. What services are provided in this area?

English Learners are not considered to be individuals with a disability. An English Learner may also be a person with a disability. However, their disability will not be related to their EL-status. Special Education Services only provides services for qualified students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments. English Learners are encouraged to consult with their counselor and program representatives about individual, program requirements and any potential supports available.

What are Metro Tech's responsibilities to me (my child) in assuring appropriate accommodations and services?

1. Promptly notify a high school upon acceptance of a student into a Metro Tech program of study.

2. Allow a student with a disability to enroll in any program based on:
   1. Documented interest,
   2. Ability to benefit from training,
   3. Work history,
   4. IEP provisions,
   5. Accommodation plans,
   6. Plans of study developed with the sending school or in cooperation with other agencies.
3. Provide procedural safeguards for all students with disabilities regardless of high school or adult student status.
4. Implement the Section 504 process for any qualified student with a disability who/whose:
   1. Requests services as an adult student,
   2. Requests services as a homeschooled student with no existing plan from another education agency,
   3. Sending school does not promptly respond to requests to schedule a team meeting to address a student's needs
5. Provide procedural safeguards for all students with disabilities regardless of high school or adult student status.

I am (My child is) an English Learner. What services are provided in this area?

English Learners are not considered to be individuals with a disability. An English Learner may also be a person with a disability. However, their disability will not be related to their EL-status. Special Education Services only provides services for qualified students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments. English Learners are encouraged to consult with their counselor and program representatives about individual, program requirements and any potential supports available.

If I (my child) feel(s) as if accommodations and services are not being provided appropriately, who should we contact?

As soon as possible, you should contact Metro Tech Special Education Services, as well as informing your Metro Tech counselor and your sending school (if applicable).