Arizona s Fourteenth Annual Transition Conference. College and University Partnerships: Off-Campus Transition Programs.

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1 College and University Partnerships: Off-Campus Transition Programs Garret Westlake Ph.D., Associate Dean Arizona State University Simon Crawford, Executive Director Bridgeway Transition Program According to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA ), transition is designed to be a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child's movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation (Whitney, 2009). What Should Transition Be? The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center NSTTAC acknowledges that the reality is quite different when they post a practical definition for secondary transition for students with ASD as a period of floundering that occurs for at least the first several years after leaving school as adolescents attempt to assume a variety of adult roles in their communities (Test, 2009). What is the Reality? August

2 Admissions Registering with disability services Awareness of differences between high school and college (ADA vs. 504 etc.) Transcript requests Textbook purchase/rental Syllabus review Familiarity with online courses and online educational resources (Canvas, Blackboard etc.) Awareness of individual learning styles Choosing a major Selecting appropriate course load Paying for college classes Selecting the best academic fit (community college vs. university) Balancing social and academic commitments Familiarity with campus Set up organizational system Utilize assistive technology The Complexities of College Disability Services Common accommodations/supports Note takers Recorded lectures Testing Extended time Alternate location Assistive technology Reading and seeing support Review - Importance of College Support Services August

3 Ideally, on-campus and off-campus programs collaborate Share educational and social successes Complimentary services Combined comprehensive support system Collaboration Comprehensive secondary services for students with mild disabilities must include early transition planning and the development of independence and selfadvocacy skills that are critical to survival and success in postsecondary settings (Aune, & Johnson, 1992). With a decision-making student, a designated transition case manager, and involved team members, the transition to postsecondary education for students with learning disabilities can be a successful experience (Aune, & Johnson, 1992). Team Based Approach Study Skills Time Management Communication Skills Self-Advocacy Skills Stress Management Organizational Skills Self-Determination Critical Thinking Skills Critical College Skills August

4 Definition: 1. Know yourself (examples) 2. Who to ask for help 3. When to ask for help 4. How to ask for help What is Self-Advocacy? Is the student an effective self advocate? How can the student become a better selfadvocate? The critical importance of disability services For some, limited academic support will suffice Others require more comprehensive and holistic support Levels of Support Level 1 Limited Support Academic Support Tutoring Often limited to specific subjects Student is motivated and organized Level 2- Median support Academic support Organizational strategies Support with time management Support with academic and social difficulties Tutoring and may require a coach/case manager/mentor Varying Levels of Support August

5 Level 3 Intensive & Holistic Support Academic Support Executive Functioning Organization/Time management Communication skill support Social support Self-advocacy support Support with many aspects of college experience Enrollment Accommodations Requires a coach/case manager/mentor Varying Levels of Support Emily - Level 1 Background Challenges Successes Joe Level 3 Background Challenges Successes Mike Level 2 Background Challenges Successes Case Studies Tutoring Centers Offer academic and organizational support Examples: On-Track tutoring Varsity tutors Brightmont Academy Sylvan Learning Organizations Supporting Special Needs Students Examples: AzAssist SAARC Vocational Rehabilitation Learning Ally Off-Campus Support Options August

6 Whose dream is college? Know the differences! IEP vs. 504 Getting accommodations Working with the DRC Parent s role Modifications vs. accommodations Transition from high school to post secondary education Advantages and disadvantages to both University Larger campus more diverse and frequent social experiences (football games etc.) Social experience of dorm life More diverse course offerings Community College Less expensive Smaller class size = more individualized attention Supervision of living at home Community College vs. 4-Year University How many credits per semester? Which classes in which order? What time of day? Which instructors? Transportation to and from campus. What sort of system of support is in place? Important Questions to Consider August

7 Conducted extensive research with Arizona high school graduates with learning differences. What were your plans after HS? How was this plan implemented? Successes? Challenges? What are you doing now? What did you want from your post-secondary experience that you did not get? Feedback was consistent among nearly every student surveyed. What are the differences between high school and college? To be successful, our students need a comprehensive system of support that goes beyond academic tutoring. Our findings proved that there is an urgent need in our community. Bridgeway College Success Program -Origins Primarily: Individuals with learning differences like Dyslexia, ADHD, processing challenges Individuals on the autism spectrum Any in need of college support Who Do We Serve? Tutoring Tutors are critical Special education background Ability to build rapport Weekly Meeting Workshops Sample Topics Social Functions Parent Communication Use of office Program Description August

8 1. Work with a team. 2. Attend class every day! 3. Sign up for classes carefully. 4. Research your professors. 5. Make a great first impression. 10 Suggestions for New College Students 6. Get to know your professors. 7. Ask for help. 8. Use time wisely (don t procrastinate!) 9. Participate! 10. Be conscious of the differences between college and high school. Top 10 Suggestions for New College Students Questions? August