Dual Placement

Our Dual Placement program is a partnership between Olathe Public Schools and Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD). Olathe Public Schools and Olathe Advanced Technical Center (OATC) offer students an option to enroll in both academic and technical education courses. Consideration for dual placement is based on the following criteria: IEP team recommendation, ability to attend to academic/technical tasks, interest/talent in a particular academic/vocational/extracurricular area, demonstrates receptive and expressive communication skills appropriate to the class(es)/activity(ies) under consideration, ability to meet the objectives of the classroom placement with appropriate modifications and adaptations. KSD provides student transportation, interpreting services and academic support with dual placement courses.

Olathe North High School

Olathe North High School is located approximately five blocks north of KSD. Students have the option of taking fine art classes, core academic classes or Advanced Placement classes depending on the needs of the individual student.

Olathe Advanced Technical Center

Olathe Advanced Technical Center (OATC) is located on the campus of Olathe North High School. It offers 2-year training programs in the following areas:

Automotive Collision Technology
Automotive Technology
Construction Trades
Welding Technology
Animal Science and Research
Aviation Electronics
Culinary Arts
Healthcare Sciences

Guidelines and Expectations for Dual Placement Students

Our goal for dual placement is for students to be independent, advocate for themselves, be accountable for their actions, and have a wonderful experience in the public school.

What do we want the students to know and do?

Students should keep track of the schedules in both schools and keep all their teachers informed. Sports and field trips are planned early; students should keep all teachers informed if there is a schedule conflict.
Students need to know how to use the interpreter appropriately and the "dos and don'ts".
Students can ask for a note taker or ask for a copy of the teacher notes. The tests or quizzes can be "read aloud" if the IEP states this as a needed accommodation.
Students are responsible for keeping and completing all homework at KSD and the public school.
Students should keep KSD staff informed if there are any problems. We, at KSD, want to know about it and help early on.
If students are at the public school during lunch, students are responsible for getting their own lunch. There are several options: Students can pick up a boxed lunch at KSD and eat on their way to public school, bring a lunch from home, or purchase lunch at the public school. (Contact Olathe Schools to set up an account through your child's student ID card.)

After students start at the public school, they will have 2 weeks to make a decision about changing or dropping classes. If classes are not changed or dropped by the above deadline, students must complete the remainder of the semester in that class. The decision should be made wisely, because students will have to follow through with the choices made.

*Please note: Students that have committed to the OATC program must complete the entire school year to receive credits.

KSD expects students to make every effort to attend all their classes at the public school. However, there may be a special event or activity (non-athletic) and the student may want to be excused from class at the public school. Students need to inform Kelly Grove at least 1 day prior to the event or activity so arrangements may be made. The decision to miss a class at Olathe Schools should be made carefully with the parent and student. It will be up to the student to meet with the teacher(s) and make up all missed work.

*If KSD is not in session but Olathe Schools are in session, local students should make every effort to attend the public school class(es).

KSD students in sports, attending school athletic events, will be responsible for any and all class work or homework that may be missed. Students can get excusal forms from the KSD Secondary Office to share with teachers.

*If no preparations are made before hand to inform public school teachers or interpreters of the student's absence from class, the student may be held back from attending a KSD athletic event.

Before a student asks the teacher to be excused from class, students should know their class grades or standing. It may OK to be excused and make up the work if you have an A or B in the class, but not if the grade is lower. Be wise when you make your request.