Michael Ufer Learning Program

Bishop Blanchet High School seeks students who are prepared to engage with a college-preparatory curriculum and take an active role in their learning. Self-advocacy is essential; students are encouraged to identify when they need support and proactively seek assistance. For qualifying students, Bishop Blanchet offers Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) that allow access to minor accommodations designed to support student learning and align with college-approved practices.

Please note that an ILP is not the same as a 504 Plan, IEP, or specially designed instruction.

Under section 504 (504 34CFR 104.39A) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, students attending a private school may qualify for minor adjustments to their education experience in order to offer them an opportunity to succeed in the classroom and beyond. To qualify for a 504 Plan, the student must, “ have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities” (Section 504).

In order to develop and implement an ILP, a student is required to provide documentation of a diagnosed learning or psychological disability.

ILP Documentation Guidelines:

Incoming Students:

• A Psychoeducational Evaluation, Cognitive Testing, and/or Educational Testing conducted by an Educational Psychologist or other qualified educational evaluator within the last ( 1-2) years
• Specify the diagnosed learning, psychological, or medical disability, including the DSM-V Code (if available)
• Provide relevant educational, developmental, and medical history

Bishop Blanchet will also consider the following documentation:

• Official IEP (current school year) with the most recent 3-year reevaluation
• Official 504 Plan with current diagnosis (12 months), educational testing and or medical documentation (physical disabilities)
• Audiology Report or Vision Assessment within the last (2) years
  • individuals with hearing or vision-related needs only

Accepted Educational Tests:

• Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
• Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT IV)
• Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement
• Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales
• Differential Ability Scales
•  Stanford Binet Intelligence Scales (when individually administered)
  • We recommend using the most current version of the test.
  • Testing is conducted at the parent/guardian’s expense through private clinicians or Seattle Public Schools.

Depending on the provided documentation and clinician recommendations, Bishop Blanchet can offer the following accommodations:

School-Based Testing Accommodations:

• Preferential Seating
• Extended Time on Tests and Quizzes - 50%
• Separate Location for Tests and Quizzes
• 4-Function Calculator
• Access to peer notes or teacher notes
• Access to a computer for in-class work or written portions of exams (student provided)
• Consult Teacher

Once the plan is completed, the ILP is shared annually with the student, parents/guardians, school counselor and student’s teachers.

The Learning Resource Specialist is available to support both teachers and students in effectively using accommodations. Additionally, Informal Consultant Teacher services are offered, allowing students to meet periodically with a Learning Program teacher throughout the academic year for guidance and assistance.

For questions on learning plans, please reach out to Alan Linney or Meghan Weber.

Students who have particular learning challenges may be recommended for the Academic Support class. This elective class (1 credit per semester within the block schedule) is designed to provide students in grades 9-12 with a structured, closely monitored learning environment where they can develop the motivational, organizational and academic skills needed to become confident, independent learners. The class offers accountability, encouragement, study strategies for success and hands-on practical help for students who want a helping hand with their academics. The class structure involves teaching specific study strategies, filling out a master calendar for accountability for tests, quizzes and projects, and collaborative time to work on core classes with the help of the academic support teacher and junior/senior student mentors. There is also individual teacher/student conferencing to resolve issues of concern. Some students might also require outside professional subject-specific tutoring in addition to the class.

The academic support teachers work closely with the Learning Resource Specialist to recommend strategies to assist students with their specific learning needs. 

Placement in the Academic Support Class is determined by the Learning Program Team and the Academic Office. 

Academic Support Classes

For questions about Academic Support classes, please reach out to Emily Mullin, Robyn Murphy or Molly Foster.

Guidelines for testing with approved accommodations on College Board and ACT tests: 

We encourage students and parents to review College Board's and ACT's test registration guidelines as they relate to testing with approved accommodations.  

• www.collegeboard.org/ssd - College Board requires that Cognitive and Educational testing be completed or updated within the last (5) years
• www.act.org  - ACT requires that Cognitive and Educational testing be completed or updated within the last three (3) years
• Describe the diagnostic tests used to determine the disability (in compliance with College Board www.collegeboard.org/ssd and ACT’s  www.act.org Guidelines for Documentation) 
• Establish the professional credentials of the evaluator(s).
• Educational/Psychological testing must be current within a 5-year window of the students anticipated high school graduation date.

Bishop Blanchet will provide accommodated SAT testing for Juniors that have approved accommodations with the College Board. More information is available from the counseling center regarding the administration of the spring SAT.

Students enrolled in a UWHS class must submit an accommodation request directly through the UW Disability Services Office (DSO) in order to use their BBHS Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) accommodations. The UW DSO requires a new accommodation request for each new course. Even if students received approval for a previous UW course, they must reapply for any new course they are taking this year. 

• The Blanchet teachers will share more information about the UWHS program with students and help facilitate the process. 
• However, it’s up to the student/parent/guardian to submit an application to request accommodations on classroom test assessments.
• To obtain more information or to make an accommodations request, please contact dso@uw.edu, 206-543-6450 (voice) or 206-685-7264 (fax). The DSO will require a copy of the student’s most recent ILP, and supporting documentation (either medical documentation or the most recent evaluation).  

Once approved, the University will notify the student/parent/guardian about which accommodations are approved for use in the course. Please forward that communication to Bishop Blanchet so we can document the accommodation status in our records.

As students consider their post-secondary options, it’s important to explore how colleges can support their unique needs. Accessing accommodations is a key part of ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive academically. With the right resources and a proactive approach, students can overcome barriers and fully engage in their college experience.

Accommodations are designed to address and remove identified barriers to meaningful access and do not lower an essential program standard, fundamentally alter an essential program element or requirement or pose an undue administrative or financial burden.

• Understand the Process: Each college or university has its own process for requesting accommodations. Start by reviewing the school's disability services website or contact the office directly for guidance.
• Submit Documentation: The school will likely require documentation of your child’s disability or medical condition. This may include an evaluation report from a healthcare provider or psychologist.
• Make the Request Early: Encourage your child to start the accommodations process as soon as possible, ideally before classes begin, to ensure that everything is in place when needed.
• Meet with Disability Services: Your child may need to schedule a meeting with the disability services office to discuss their specific needs. It’s helpful if they come prepared with a list of accommodations that might be helpful.
• Review and Sign an Accommodation Plan: After the meeting, the college will create an accommodation plan that outlines the approved accommodations. Your child should review and sign the plan.
• Communicate with Professors: Once accommodations are approved, your child will need to notify their professors. Disability services may assist with this process, or your child may need to share the accommodation letter directly.
• Follow Up: Encourage your child to check in periodically with the disability services office to ensure accommodations are being implemented and that any issues are addressed.
• Know Your Rights: Colleges are required by law to provide accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If accommodations are not provided, your child has the right to appeal the decision.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of all forms, emails, and correspondence related to the accommodation process. This will be useful if there are any challenges or questions later on.

By taking these steps, your child can successfully access the accommodations they need to succeed in college