Successful Transition from High School to College
Checklist for Preparedness
Critical Differences Between High School and College
Successful Transition from High School to College
When a student graduates from high school, they are no longer covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, they do still enjoy the protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504.
Students attending universities are considered adults, with privacy and confidentiality protections. University staff cannot talk with parents and guardians about a student's academic activities as in the K-12 setting.
Documentation requirements may vary from institution to institution. Each institution has the right to establish it's own guidelines for documentation requirements. Check with each institution to obtain the documentation requirements. The documentation must verify the disability, describe the extent/severity of the impairment and provide information regarding the functional impact of the disability, which supports the need for a specific accommodation.
College students must structure and plan their own study time; colleges do not set up study periods or provide for time to do homework during classes.
Professors and classes may differ regarding attendance requirements, scheduling assignment due dates and exams. It is the student's responsibility to study each professor's syllabus to determine these requirements. Attendance may be considered an essential requirement of some courses and therefore not subject to waiver or reduction.
Grades reflect the quality of the work submitted.
Universities are not required to:
- Reduce or adjust the essential requirements of a course or program
- Conduct testing and assessment of disabilities
- Provide personal attendants
- Provide personal or private tutors
- Prepare IEPs
* Adapted from the University of North Carolina
Checklist for Preparedness
To prepare for the transition to college, it is important for the team to consider what the student’s current level of functioning is with regard to the academic rigors and responsibilities associated with study at the post-secondary level. The following check list may assist in determining a student’s level of preparedness:
___ Student can articulate learning strengths and weaknesses
___ Student has developed study skills specific to her/his learning style
___ Student is able to identify needed accommodations and services
___ Student is able to identify when assistance is needed
___ Student can articulate the need for assistance
___ Student asks questions when she/he does not know or understand something
___ Student is able to analyze demands and plan study time accordingly
___ Student is able identify key information presented in a lecture
___ Student is able to study on her/his own for at least 15-20 hours per week
___ Student can think critically about a topic and express opinions in writing and/or verbally
___ Student can manage her/his time effectively, which includes: get self out of bed and to class on time, balance study time with socializing and time alone, get assignments in on time
Once a student has decided to enroll in a post-secondary institution, there are a few things that need to be in place to ensure a smooth transition. The following check list may help with this process:
Prior to graduation:
___ Student researches colleges and universities in order to assess accommodations which may be available
___ Student has contacted Disability Support Services with regard to documentation guidelines
___ Student shares documentation guidelines with appropriate professional
___ Student gathers and submits appropriate documentation to college’s Disability Support Services
___ Student follows up with high school case manager in order to collect any additional information needed
After Graduation:
___ Student schedules a meeting with Disability Support Services to discuss appropriate accommodations
___ Student follows guidelines set up by University for the implementation of appropriate accommodations
|
