ACT Now Achieving College Transitions Now: Implementation Strategies for Secondary Youth

ACT Now Materials Include  Template for development of Transition Skills Development Team  Template for development of Transition Expo  Needs Assessments  Curriculum for parents, students and educators

ACT Now Curriculum Materials  Educator and Parent Modules: power point slides presenter script supplemental booklet  Student Modules: curriculum guide student workbook power point slides video

Transition Needs Survey  Available for students, parents, and educators  Provides information regarding current understanding of transition topics  Assists in determination of need for training various groups

The ACT Now Modules  Flexible delivery; multiple formats  Presentation ready via power point, overheads and activity masters  Interactive student activities

Parent and Educator Presentation Guides  Purpose  Objectives  Delivery of Module  Time Required  Instructor Preparation

ACT Now: Educators

Educator Module  Differences between IDEA 2004 and ADA services, and accommodations  Changing roles and responsibilities  Accessing disability services and documentation of disability  Expectations and realities of the college environment  Essential Student Skills

Implementing the Educator Module Who: –special education teachers, supervisors, transition coordinators –school counselors & school psychologists Why: –Increase general understanding of differences between high school and college –Provide background knowledge so educators can assist students and their parents with upcoming transition When/How: –As part of a teacher in-service day –As an ACT 48 workshop –Distribute teacher booklet for independent review

Excerpt from Presenter Script Self advocacy skills are essential for students since they will be required to do several things as they transition to a postsecondary setting. They must: Self-identify to Office of Disability Services Submit appropriate documentation of disability Request reasonable accommodations Utilize accommodations Monitor the effectiveness of those accommodations This is a change in mindset and behavior for students as well as teachers and parents. These tasks have been previously directed by the student’s parents and teachers. As students transition to a post-secondary institution, they will be expected to advocate for themselves across these important areas.

ACT Now: Parents

Why Do Parent Training?  Provides background knowledge regarding differences between the K-12 educational system and the post-secondary educational system  Educates parents regarding the realities of college  Provides tips of things parents can do right now to help prepare their student

Parent Module  Changing of laws from IDEA 2004 to ADA  New roles and responsibilities  Accessing disability services and documentation of disability  Expectations and realities of the college environment  Reasonable & appropriate accommodations  ACT Now Timely Tips

Implementing the Parent Module Who: –Parents of students with disabilities who are considering pursuing a post-secondary education Why: –Increase understanding of college expectations –Provide information regarding documentation requirements and reasonable accommodations When: –As part of a parent forum –include topic on transition to college –As part of College Night How: –Personal invitations to parents of ACT Now participants –Outreach to parent groups within district –Co-present with school counselor –Distribute parent booklet at IEP meeting

Excerpt from Presenter Script So what do these changes mean to you? Access: Post-secondary institutions are prohibited from discriminating against a person because of a disability. They must provide ACCESS to the education to otherwise qualified individuals. Eligibility: Students must meet requirements to be eligible for reasonable accommodations at the post-secondary level. The eligibility requirements may be different from those in the K-12 system. Otherwise Qualified: The term “otherwise qualified” means different things at the K-12 and post-secondary levels. In high school, your child may be qualified for services just by being within the age range set forth by IDEA 2004 and having a disability. However, in post-secondary institutions, your child must be qualified to meet the admissions standards to an institution as well as the standards for specific programs within an institution. FERPA: FERPA means that post-secondary institutions cannot release grades or academic records to parents without the student’s permission. This means that college staff will not discuss this information with parents or others without student’s written permission. This is a big change for the parents who have been very involved in their student’s day-to-day educational experience.

ACT Now: Students

Student Curriculum  Curriculum guide  Six modules  Student workbook  Small group and individual activities  Core activities  Supplemental activities

Student Module Overview 1.Transition Planning – What is That Anyway? 2.Who Are You? Knowing your Strengths and Weaknesses 3.You and College: You Mean I Have To Do It? 4.What Do I Do Now? Self Identification & Documentation 5.How Do I “Do” College? Requesting Reasonable Accommodations 6.College 101

The curriculum guide… Each module starts with –Purpose –Key Terms –Suggested Order of Presentation –Instructor Preparation

Student Curriculum: Module 1 Transition Planning – What is That Anyway?  Why Are You Here? Student Survey  Prepare for Life After High School  What is My Disability?  Your Role in the Transition

Activity : What is My Disability?

Student Curriculum: Module 2 Who Are You? Knowing your Strengths and Weaknesses  High School and You  College and You Individual Appointment A Different Viewpoint

Activity: College and You

Student Curriculum: Module 3 You and College: You Mean I Have To Do It?  Whose Job is it Anyway?  Communication Preferences  What is Self Advocacy?

Student Curriculum: Module 4 What Do I Do Now? Self Identification & Documentation  Why the Change? The Laws Simplified  Determining Eligibility for Accommodations  Documentation Simplified  Does This Documentation Make the Grade? Be a Documentation Detective  Does MY Documentation Make the Grade? Individual Appointment Researching College Websites College Screening Tool Who’s Responsible?

Activity: Documentation Detective

Student Curriculum: Module 5 How Do I “Do” College? Requesting Reasonable Accommodations  Now That You Are Eligible for Accommodations  Reasonable and Appropriate Accommodations  Accommodations Simplified  College Accommodations  ACT Now College Video Individual Appointment Role Play

Student Curriculum: Module 6 College 101  Accommodations – Next Steps  Who Stays in Post Secondary Education  Navigating the System: Myths and Realities  Look How Far You’ve Come! Student Survey ACT Now Crossword Puzzle Countdown to College Checklist

Implementing the Student Modules Who should participate: –Students with disabilities who are considering a post- secondary experience Why: –Increase knowledge of essential transition concepts –Increase knowledge about themselves as learners –Helps students make post-secondary decisions –Increases confidence in students –Increases knowledge about the college experience

Implementing the Student Modules When/How: –During the school day -as a pull out program –As an after-school program –Embedded into the curriculum –As an elective course –As a summer program in partnership with local college –Minimum of six 45 – 60 minute meeting –Individual appointment outside of class session –Collaborate with institution of higher education

ACT Now: Program Implementation

Implementing ACT Now In Your District Obtain Administrative support Conduct Needs Assessment Consider following questions: –Who will start and facilitate process of implementaiton –Who will participate Educators Parents Students with disabilities –When and how will trainings occur –What are the challenges in your district Develop Action Plan