Creating a Successful Transitions Program In T en Easy Steps Julie Scoskie, Director Joyce Griffith, Specialist Jefferson County Public Schools Adult and Continuing Education

Learn the 10 steps that will enable you to Develop a Successful Transitions Program Discuss the Ongoing Process to Maintain the Program and Its Successes Our Goals Today

Step 1 Create an Advisory Council Recruit stakeholders –Local Business Leaders –Workforce Investment Board Members –Chamber of Commerce Leaders –Library Officials –Local Education Leaders (all levels, public and private) –Elected Officials Be prepared –Do your homework (know the statistics and benefits to them and their constituents) Use the Group’s Expertise –Ask them to identify resources and gaps

Step 2 Make the Pitch Request a meeting with college leaders: Sell them on the benefits (GED recipients are their future students) Discuss areas of collaboration Outline areas of similarity (vision and mission) Explain what you can offer and why it is beneficial Share credentials Exert a willingness to work together/not take over Agree to ground rules including financial support

Jointly draft a Memorandum of Understanding that: Clearly details roles and responsibilities Ensures that the collaboration will survive changes in leadership Eliminates misunderstandings Ensures that the partnership will be mutually beneficial Step 3 Get It In Writing

Ask college faculty and Adult Education instructors to form a committee to guide assessment, curriculum development, alignment, and determine cut scores for referral. Discuss how to facilitate the transition of GED recipients to college –College Bound Program –Scholarships to College –Introduction to College Step 4 Collaborate with Faculty

Re-brand Adult Education Services Market components of the partnership Hold Adult Education classes on campus Mirror the college’s schedule and format (Ex. Use a syllabus) Utilize campus and Adult Education support services Enter the transition courses into the college’s data base and student information into the Adult Education data base Have students take both the Adult Education and the College’s assessments Step 5 Integrate Adult Education to the College Structure

Introduce one subject (math, English, reading, or ESL) at a time Identify gaps Determine what works and what doesn’t work Refine the program based on feedback from all stakeholders Step 6 Pilot the Partnership

Collect, Report, and Use Data Step 7 Combine Processes Track and report student progress –Demographics –Assessment Scores –Retention –Course Completion –Certificate/Degree Completion Build on Successes

Conduct formal monthly meetings with leadership and other staff members from Adult Education and the College (Record minutes.) Identify point persons for day-to-day operations Keep stakeholders informed of progress –Advisory Council –Adult Education Staff –College Staff –College Advisors –Admissions Counselors –Students –Community Step 8 Communicate

Monitor data and gather feedback Maintain a willingness to adapt to meet changing needs and shifting student populations Plan for Continuous Improvement Step 9 Continue to Adapt and Refine

Use the data and student success to publicize the program, recruit students, apply for additional funding, and gain recognition for both institutions Share best practices Take a deep breath, go back to Step 4 and repeat Step 10 Celebrate Success

Questions? To find out more: Go to: and click on “Transition to Postsecondary Education”