Student Tutorial Evaluation Program (STEP)

The Student Tutorial Evaluation Program (STEP) provides free academic support services and accommodations to Foothill College students who have learning disabilities.

We'll Help You Determine the Presence of a Learning Disability

Click Here to Learn How to Apply

STEP faculty will help you determine if you have a learning disability. First, we'll ask you to meet with one of our friendly and professional learning disability specialists. After the first consultation, the specialist will decide whether you would benefit from an assessment. If testing is not appropriate at this time, you will be referred to services that can better meet your needs. If an assessment is warranted, you will make follow up appointments with the specialist to complete the testing.  The  procedure takes approximately six to eight hours. When the results of your assessment are completed, you will meet with your STEP specialist once more to determine which Foothill College services and accommodations will best suit your academic needs.

Defining a Learning Disability

A learning disability is a significant discrepancy between your indicated ability and your achievement in academic areas. This discrepancy results from a processing deficit in visual, auditory or kinesthetic processes. Factors that are not considered learning disabilities include below average intellectual potential; emotional or behavior disorders; lack of motivation or familiarity with basic academic skills; and physical disability that interferes with the learning process.

Eligibility

To qualify for STEP services, you must be certified as learning disabled in compliance with California Community Colleges guidelines and be enrolled in classes at Foothill College. There is a five-step process for receiving learning disabled certification:

1. Begin the process by visiting the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Room 5801;
2. Complete the STEP Intake Questionnaire;
3. Schedule a consultation with a learning disability specialist who will review your questionnaire with you and determine if continuing assessment is appropriate. You should bring any previous documentation of learning disability to this consultation;
4. Continue the assessment process by enrolling in the two-unit ALLD 201: Diagnosing Learning Disabilities course at Foothill College; and
5. Participate in learning disability assessment of your academic and cognitive skills. If you are eligible for services, accommodations will be based on your assessment results.

STEP Services for Students

The following services are available to Foothill College students who have a certified learning disability and have completed the STEP learning disability assessment process:

• Individual Learning Profile;
• Liaison and advocacy services between students and college staff;
• Specialized tutoring;
• Academic, career and personal counseling;
• Priority registration;
• Referrals to the Disability Resource Center for services such as in-class note takers, books on tape, tape recordings of class lectures, extended time testing, use of word processing equipment, and alternative examination administration; and
• Referrals to the on-campus Computer Access Center's assistive technology hardware and software.

How Do I Get Started?

For more information about the STEP Program, call at one of the numbers below:
Disability Resource Center        (650) 949-7017
Adaptive Learning Division        (650) 949-7332

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