Personal Learning Protocols
Indigenous wellness involves: prayer, ceremony, nature, and love. – Govinda Budrow, Faculty, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
Your wellness is important to us. Ceremony is a ritual event with a purpose, and setting the stage for your own learning is a ritual. We all have our habits and procedures when we attempt to learn something new. We hope that our systems of rules will enable us to be successful in our learning endeavor.
This part of the guide is intended to help you find resources and advocate for services to support your learning journey. EarlyEdU cannot include an exhaustive list, but these are our best recommendations.
FAQ
Here are some answers to questions you may have.
What are learning protocols?
Similar to an individualized education plan (IEP) or Section 504 plan, these learning protocols are accommodations, modifications, and specialized education services intended to reduce negative impacts to your educational performance in specific settings. But unlike an IEP or Section 504 plan, these learning protocols are not based on disabilities but are situational for different learning environments.
What are personal learning protocols?
Personal learning protocols are primarily for you only and if you wish to share with members of your educational team or peers. These guidelines are for your benefit and represent steps that you can take. IEP and Section 504 plan accommodations represent changes that instructors make on behalf of learners in the areas of instruction, environment, and assessment (testing).
Can I use my existing IEP?
Individualized education plans are offered through 12th grade or until age 21 when required and does not transfer to college/higher education. But your IEP is a great start for understanding what impacts your educational performance. Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which authorizes the use of IEP.
Should I get a Section 504 plan?
If you have disability (physical, learning, or thinking difference) that poses a barrier to your learning, consider getting a 504 plan. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act through the Office of Civil Rights ensures that people with disabilities at all educational levels receive equal educational opportunities. You will need to contact the Accessibility or Disability Support Services office of your institution to set up evaluation and services. Learn more about the transition to post-secondary education and hidden disabilities.
How do I use personal learning protocols?
All of the resources and techniques offered here are for your optional use. Review the different situations and possible interventions to determine what works for you and continue to try different ways of knowing yourself. Use the suggestions as a starting point to fine-tune your understanding of your optimal learning strategies. And when your situation changes, you can refer back to these suggestions for ideas on how to make your own adjustments.
Look to the 
Learning Lab for unique ideas to try out.