Three Models of Community College Transition ProgramsA Collaborative Process

Linda SchnappAssistant Director, Project AccessHoward Community College

Glennis Daniels-BacchusAcademic/ADA CoordinatorCollege of Southern Maryland

Suzanne AlexanderDirector of Counseling Wor-Wic Community College

Presenters

Linda SchnappAssistant Director, Project AccessHoward Community College

Project Access Merritt Scholars

Project Access is designed to significantly facilitate the transition of high school students with disabilities into postsecondary education

Project Access is designed to increase the success rate and retention of freshman students with disabilities

Project Access

Lack of academic preparationLack of familiarity with study skillsMore complete information about the

college admissions process for students with disabilities

Academic assessmentsMore complete information about college

services and reasonable accommodationsSelf-identification and self-advocacy

training

Student’s Needs

Completing ninth-twelfth grade

Diploma track

Academic potential

Qualifications of Students

July 9 – August 3, 2012

Monday – Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Timeframe of 2012 Summer Institute

To improve student’s potential for successful postsecondary experiences

To accommodate diverse learning styles in a range of academic settings

To assist students in the establishment of career goals

Goals of Project Access

Development of a Summer Institute

Social events on the Howard Community College campus

An annual college fair for students with disabilities

An annual conference for parents and professionals

Goal One

Providing staff development to college faculty, staff and students

A study skills course developed to meet the unique academic needs of students

Goal Two

Providing a course in career development

Developing an assistive technology lab

Goal Three

Approximately 70% of high school graduates transition to the postsecondary level

The retention rate of Project Access first-year students on the Howard Community College campus is higher than that of the general college population

Outcomes

Glennis Daniels-BacchusAcademic/ADA CoordinatorCollege of Southern Maryland

Transition 101

The Transition Process – When does it begin?

Elementary to High School Adequate Academic Preparation

High School to Post Secondary /Work Academic Preparation Exploration of Transition Options

2-Year Institution to 4-Year Institution Short Term Skills Training Degree/Career Options Transfer

Parents Students Teachers (K-12) Transition Coordinators School Psychologists

External Stakeholders

Transition Agencies/DORS Employers

Necessary job skills? Who is hiring? Etc.

Parent Groups LDA, Parents Place of Maryland, Partners

for Success Parent Resource Centers

External Stakeholders (cont)

Admissions Counselors Disability Support Services Faculty

Emphasis on Developmental Faculty Staff

Student Success Center, Residence Life, Dining Services, etc.

Career Services Internships, Mentorship, FT/PT Positions

Internal Stakeholders

Division of Rehabilitation Services Special Education Coordinators 504 Facilitators Faculty - Developmental/English and

Math Disability Support Services Staff Supervising School Psychologist/504

Coordinator Transition Coordinator

College Transition Team

Try College For A Day Annual Transition Breakfast Meeting Parent Information Night Transition Seminars Presentation at LDA and other parent

advocacy group Work Force Recruitment Program

(Summer Internship) Transition Conference

Collaborative Activities between CSM and the Tri-County School Systems

How is college different from high school

What is ADA & Section 504 Understanding the law Eligibility vs. entitlement How to access services Documentation guidelines Why is appropriate documentation

necessary

Parent Night Agenda

Who is responsible for providing documentation

What is the responsibility of the College of Southern Maryland

What is the responsibility of the student

Academic Expectations: How to be a success in College

The admission process for CSM Financial Aid

Parent Night Agenda (cont)

Guest speakers from the community:

DORS DDA Independence Now (SSI/SSDI) Abilities Network UCP of Southern Maryland College of Southern Maryland The Center for Life Enrichment The ARC of Southern Maryland

Transition Conference for Parents

Guest speakers from the community:

Center for Independent Living Pathways County Recreation and Parks Legal – disability related legal issues Local Transit System Special Olympics Lt. Joseph P Kennedy Institute of Catholic

Charities Parents Place of Maryland

Transition Conference for Parents (cont)

Student

Independence

Being Responsible for Obtaining Services

Academic Preparation

Change in Accommodations

Access vs. Success

Transition Difficulties

Parents

Letting Go

Transitioning from IDEA (Entitlement) to ADA (Eligibility)

Not understanding policies and procedures related to Disability Support Services

Understanding Academic Expectations at the Post-Secondary Level

Transition Difficulties

Development of Relationships to aid in the process

Consistent message

Able to Identify potential issues/needs

Proactive vs. Reactive

Benefits of Collaboration

Able to Recognize and Respond to strengths & weakness of programs and services

Able to Address perceptions regarding higher education

Outcome = Educated consumer

Benefits of Collaboration (cont)

“Try College for a Day is an excellent program to assist students with the transition to post-secondary education. Students who attend this event have an opportunity to meet with the Student Support Center staff to learn about the process to receive accommodations in college, who to contact, documentation that may be required, and the importance of self-advocacy. Although they hear from the high school staff the difference between eligibility and entitlement, it seems to have a greater impact when it comes from the college staff. The mock registration and classes also provide an opportunity for students to have a better picture of college expectations. The students get a better understanding of how to navigate the college experience on their own.  Students in past years who have attended Try College for a Day have commented that they felt much more comfortable entering CSM in the fall than their peers who had not attended this program. They have said they know where to go for assistance and what was expected.” -- Quoted from Dottie Powell, Transition Coordinator for St. Mary’s County Public Schools

Responses from students when asked:“Have today's activities helped you to understand the process of starting college and your responsibilities in that process?” after a Try College for a Day Event

“It helped me to know that I have to ask for help on my own.”

“I now understand the importance of selecting my course for college and the responsibility of getting my sections done as soon as possible so I have the most options.”

“It helped me to know how Independent you have to be!”

Student Responses

Suzanne AlexanderDirector of Counseling Wor-Wic Community College

Annual Transition Day

Annual Transition Day Junior/Senior high school students

College Jeopardy

Transitioning from High School

Questions