TRANSITION TO A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY PROJECT 10 NORTHEAST REGIONAL FALL INSTITUTE NOVEMBER 15, 2011 Kristine (Kris) Wiest University of North Florida(904)

Career Aspirations Appropriate Educational Institution Deciding to Attend College

Tips for Deciding…  Choose an array of classes in high school that will expose the student to the rigors expected in college  Have students conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest  Meet with guidance counselors  Attend transition programs at colleges or universities

Early work on SOPs Appropriate coursework in high school Job-shadowing Planning

Tips for Planning…  Have SOPS ready for college admission in the Spring of junior year  Include skills in study skills, independent living, social communication on IEPs  Visit colleges or universities  Attend a transition camp or presentation at college and then plan accordingly

Academic Non-academic Preparing

Tips for Preparing… Academic Preparation  Rigorous classes in general curriculum  SAT/ACT preparation, use of accommodations  High GPA, class rank  Personal statement  Letters of recommendation  Study skills, computer skills  Know the differences between high school and college

Tips for Preparing Non-academic  Awareness of strengths  Awareness of manifestations of disability  Self-advocacy  Awareness of, and ability to evaluate effectiveness of accommodations  Ability to engage in campus life  Self-determination  Awareness of needed agency support

Finding a match between student and college Looking at multiple facets of college attendance Students at the helm! Exploring

Tips for Exploring…  Use worksheets for managing this exploration (example: Dare to Dream for Adults) _______________________________________________ College, School, or Training Place Worksheet Name of school__________________________________ Feature of college, school, or training place Information I learned:This feature is a GOOD or BAD match for me because: Location Where is the campus located? Is housing available on campus? Is campus on a bus route?

Evaluation of Admission Process Evaluation of disability support services Selecting

Tips for Selecting…  What priorities are important to the student?  What services are needed by the student?  Does the college offer needed services and appropriate support?  Does the disability support office have qualified personnel?  Does the disability support office support Assistive Technology?  Does the disability support office use data to inform their practice?

Documentation requirements for disability Minimum ACT or SAT score Minimum GPA Other requirements Applying

Tips for Applying…  How do you disclose a disability during the Admission process?  What documentation of a disability is required? >currency of documentation >SOP  Does the college have a mechanism in place to review applicants with disabilities?  Are letters of recommendation and personal statements accepted?

Resources…  Going to College: Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities. Edited by Elizabeth Evans Getzel,., & Paul Wehman  K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities, 10th Ed. Marybeth Kravets & Imy Wax  College Success for Students With Learning Disabilities: Strategies and Tips to Make the Most of Your College Experience. Cynthia Simpson & Vicky Spencer  Preparing Students with Disabilities for College Success: A Practical Guide for Transition. Stan Shaw, Joseph Madaus, & Lyman Dukes  Transition to Postsecondary Education for Students With Disabilities. Carol Kochhar-Bryant, Diane S. Bassett, & Kristine Webb