1. Skills for Post Secondary College Success Sharon Cunningham. M.Ed OU Special Education Doctorate Student Loni Leforce MAT OU Special Education Doctorate Student

2. I GOT INTO COLLEGE!!! …… now what? Many of our students in special education achieve the dream of getting into college but they and their parents have no idea how to proceed. What skills will help me be successful? What happens to my IEP? I have a roommate?

3. College Readiness Matters? YES! College ready students have a average of 2% higher grade point average then non-college ready peers which =$$ 6.1 more likely to attend a 2 nd year 12.8% more likely to finish on time

4. What we know… Transition planning works Transition assessment The number of students attending a postsecondary program has increased – But the number graduating has not Failure not so much because of aptitude but faulty preparation Degree of services: Unrealistic expectations from both the parent and student

5. Researchers say Top college skills for special education – Study skills – Self management – Money management – Supports – Resources – Setting goals – Self determination

6. What do I need before I go? Plan – Do you know what you want to major in? – Transition assessments – Documentation of a Disability – Motivation/Maturity – Self-determination – Assertiveness – What services are available for support – Orientation to Student Disability Services – Accommodations

7. What do I need before I go? Plan – Adapted testing/computer technology – Class scheduling – Study Skills – Tutoring – Financial Aid – Disability awareness

8. Self-determination Self-determination and assertiveness are the biggest factors related to success of failure Disability services Every step is voluntary

9. Self disclosure? All colleges have a office that deals with disability To disclose or not to is your choice Verification forms Services/accommodations Disability Services Intake or orientation program to learn about the entire range of services and accommodations offered at the postsecondary institution ADA Accommodation Notification

10. Skills Technology – reader, – note takers – computer adaptations Use of Campus resources – learning Center or tutoring center – workshops on time management – Help with study skills – reading improvement

11. Skills Respond to deficiency notes/retention center Soft skills – Peers – professors Time management and stress management – Task prioritizing – Resources – Study groups

12. Behaviors Establish independence and self advocacy Assume more responsibility in and out of school Social awareness Problem-solve Proactive involvement

13. Money management Financial aid Employment Housing Daily living expenses Entertainment Health/Medical Incidental Expenses

14. Advice from a mom… Teach Responsibility/Independence Self-determination Problem-solving Emotional Support Research school options Visit Disability Services Housing FERPA Plan

15. Advice from a student with disabilities… Disclose Ask for help! Get involved Be a leader Speak-up and speak out

16. Advice from current students.. Learn to go with out sleep- Gemmy Haberman University of Oklahoma GO TO CLASS!!- Sidnee Whitaker University of Kansas Talk to your professors, they will help you- Olivia Cox Wichita State University Learn how to study- Kim Ford Wichita State University When in doubt email and ask- Courtney Kroeger- Emporia State of University Make a study group- Rob LeForce Friends University Be disciplined to attend class, if not do not have a class before 9 am!- Laura Brockmeyer Wichita State University Be involved in class- Tenille Schwanke Wichita State University Organize- Lynn Hopkins Kansas State University Build a community or you will drop out- Brad Fair Oklahoma State University Don’t apply for credit cards- Cindy Carlton University of Oklahoma

17. References Conley, D.T. (2008). Rethinking college readiness. New Direction for Higher Education, 144, 3-13. DOI: 10.1002/he.321 Hitchings, W.E, Retish, P., Horvath, M. (2005). Academic preparation of adolescents with disabilities for postsecondary education. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 28, 26-35. DOI: 10.1177/08857288050280010501 Jackson, J. & Kurlaender M. (2013). College readiness and college completion at broad access four-year institutions. American Behavioral Scientist, 58, 947-971. DOI: 10.1177/0002764213515229 McConnell, A. E., Martin, J. E., Juan, C. Y., Hennessey, M. N., Terry, R. A., & et al. (2012). Identifying nonacademic behaviors associated with post- school employment and education. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 36, 174-187. DOI: 10.1177/2165143412468147 Milsom, A., & Dietz, L., (2009). Defining college readiness for students with learning disabilities: A delphi study. Professional School Counseling, 12, 315-323.