Westford Academy’s Westford Academy’s Special Education Department presents: The First Annual Post-Secondary Planning Program

The transition from high school

To College

The Transition This transition from High School to College takes a great deal of Planning. In order to reach your dreams, you need to START long before graduation!

When Considering Programs Be Realistic Consider all the changes that you, will be facing.

The transition Process Includes: Changes in Legal Rights and Responsibilities As well as a change in the environment

During High School Family, teachers and guidance counselors support students in completing academic requirements.

In College Students needs to seek out support services

During High School The school identifies a student’s learning disabilities and gives them services in the LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT.

In College Students need to let others know about their learning disability and arrange for the help that they need. Students will need to plan their own lives and complete projects without prompting from parents and teachers

Legal Considerations The laws that regulate schools serving students K-12 are different than the laws that regulate schools in the postsecondary area.

What are the laws? Secondary Education IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) 504 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)504 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992)ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992) Postsecondary Education 504 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, particular reference in subpart E)504 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, particular reference in subpart E) ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992)ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992)

What is the intent of the law for secondary education? IDEA:IDEA: To provide a free, appropriated public education in the least restrictive environment to students with identified disabilities. 504/ADA:504/ADA: To insure that no otherwise qualified person with a disability is denied access to, benefits of or is subject to discrimination solely on the basis of his disability.

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Protects a child during the K-12 years The school identifies students with disabilities The school serves students in Least restrictive environment. An IEP is written Guidance counselors and resource teacher guide family through the process. Ends when he/she is either 21 or goes graduates from high school.

What does this mean for you as a student? Since IDEA does not cover Post-secondary programs, Students have the responsibility to: disclose their disabilities Provide verifying documentation Obtain assessments and test results Act as independent adults Arrange their own schedules Contact instructors regarding assistance Arrange for their own personal tutors.

What is the intent of the law for Post-secondary Education? 504/ADA:504/ADA: To ensure that no otherwise qualified person with a disability is denied access to college solely based on his disability. To make sure college is accessible to students with disabilities, without lowering academic standards.

Factors limiting the scope of college accommodation: The postsecondary school is not required to make modifications that would lower essential requirements or fundamentally alter the nature of the service. The postsecondary institution does not need to make modifications that would result in an undue economic or administrative burden.

Guiding principle In college, you are expected to take the responsibility for what you do and do not do.

What does this mean for you? At the college level, education is not longer a right or entitlement, but a matter of eligibility. In order to be accepted at the college of your choice, you need to meet the admissions criteria which are established for all potential students by that college.

Three Steps to take NOW! 1.Improve your academic skills 2.Learn to advocate for yourself 3.Make sure you are taking the required courses that you need to be accepted into college.

Gain academic skills Know what skills you need to have in order to succeed in college. Make a plan and start acquiring these skills. Limit the number of accommodation you use. Learn test preparation skills. Learn test taking strategies. Learn to take notes.

Learn to advocate for yourself Take an increasingly active role in the decision-making process. Attend your IEP meetings. Take active role. Be able to discuss your strengths and weaknesses Seek extra help from your teachers on your own.

Take Required Courses Start looking at colleges, and find out the requirements for acceptance. Meet with your guidance counselor, and make sure you are taking courses that meet these requirements. Keep your GPA as high as possible.

Resources College for Students with Learning Disabilities or ADD, 7th Edition.Thomson and Peterson’s:USA,2003. AHEAD