Transition to College and  Work for Teens

Exploring post-secondary options is often a daunting task for parents and students alike, but with the right planning, support, and information this can be a positive and truly successful next step for every student. You'll find all the information needed to make the right transitional decisions below, including useful tips, key websites, and in-depth research reports. Take a look at the Teen Topics page as well for detailed supports to help students and their parents make smart decisions about school, relationships, and building the skills needed to succeed in high school and the future.

Introduction and Background Information
Research
Policy and Advocacy
Additional Resources on the Web 

Introduction and Background Information:

Transitioning from High School to College Symposium
In October 2006, ETS and the National Center for Learning Disabilities joined together to explore pressing issues regarding post-secondary transition for students with LD at the Addressing Achievement Gaps: Students with Learning Disabilities Transitioning from High School to College Symposium. This landmark conference brought together key experts and researchers in the field, educators, college admissions professionals, advocates, parents, and students to discuss possible solutions for student success going forward. To find an overview of the main topics, presenter information, documents, and additional resources visit www.ld.org/ets.

Making the Leap to College (LD Talk: November 2006)
Featured Experts Vincent Varrassi and Dr. Jennifer Zvi
As the number of students with learning disabilities attending colleges and universities has grown dramatically over the past thirty years, so too have the number of issues faced by students, parents, and educators. Exploring post-secondary options is often a daunting task for parents and students alike, but with the right planning, support, and information this can be a positive and truly successful next step for every student.

Also view the accompanying PDF from Dr. Zvi, Making the College Leap, and Planning for College Success for Students with Learning Disabilities by Vincent Varrassi.

Transition to College: Strategic Planning to Ensure Success for Students with Learning Disabilities (PDF)
As a parent, it is important to encourage your child to learn what he or she needs to know about college in order to plan a successful transition. This brief explains the requirements and opportunities included in the law so that you can successfully plan and help your child prepare for his or her future.

Preparing for College Liz Getzel explains how students with LD can best prepare for and make successful transitions from high school to college.

Going to College: Successful Transitions for Students with LD  Featured experts Elizabeth Evans Getzel and Shannon McManus share key resources and answer essential questions about transitioning from high school to post-secondary opportunities in this March 23, 2006 LD Talk.

Parent Perspectives: Setting Goals and Planning for the Transition to College Listen to one mother share her son’s motivating experience with transition planning, and find out more about his personal achievements and the empowering perspective he developed along the way.

Planning for Transition Checklist Use this checklist to determine if your child's transition planning includes all of the components needed.

Transition to School & Work: A blueprint for your child’s success after high school a brochure on transition planning for parents from the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities

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Research

Research Roundup - Adolescents and Young Adults with LD: Transition and More NCLD Director of Professional Services, Dr. Sheldon Horowitz highlights the need for more extensive research-based data on transition issues and cites important reports and resources on this topic in his February 2005 Research Roundup.  Click here for a full list of his columns in LD News.

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Policy and Advocacy:

Improving Transition Planning & Results Candace Cortiella looks at recent amendments to the federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 04), which include several revisions to the requirements for transition planning designed to improve postsecondary results for students with disabilities.

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Additional Resources on the Web

Transition Planning/ General Info

National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) began operating January 1, 2006 to help states build capacity to support and improve transition planning, services, and outcomes for youth with disabilities. (The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs - OSEP)

National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 funded by the U.S. Department of Education, this study is documenting the experiences of a national sample of students who were 13 to 16 years of age in 2000 as they move from secondary school into adult roles.

Transition 101 for Parents, Students, & Professionals (National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities) a five-part series of resources that looks closely at and connects to a wide range of transition materials.

AT Issues During Times of Transition an information-rich online discussion about assistive technology issues that become critical during periods of transition in a student's life.  (The Family Center on Technology & Disability)

Guidance & Career Counselors’ Toolkit: Advising High School Students with Disabilities on Post-Secondary Options (George Washington University, HEATH ResourceCenter)

Transition: School to Work (LDOnline)

It's My Life: Post-Secondary Education & Training Guide (Casey Family Programs)

College Planning resources

Colleges with programs for Students with Learning Disabilities (Colleges, Scholarships, & Financial Aid page)

AccessCollege: Student Lounge - Post-secondary Ed. & Students with Disabilities (DO-IT, Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, & Technology)

College Readiness for All Toolbox (Pathways to College Network)

Promising state policies to help students move easily from High School to other educational opportunities  This report by the Community College Research Center (CCRC) of Teachers College, Columbia University looks at state policies that promote students' seamless transition from high school to postsecondary education and rewarding careers. (EducationNews.org)

The Toolbox Revisited: Paths to Degree Completion from High School Through College (U.S. Department of Education)

ACT Study finds Work Ready = College Ready (Partnership for Learning)

College Planning for Students with Disabilities Booklet (University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Education Quest Foundation)

Work-related resources

TransCen Online a non-profit organization that develops, implements, and researches innovations regarding school-to-adult life transition and career development for people with disabilities.

Transition Resources from the Division of Career Development and Transition resources & research to help professionals design, deliver, and evaluate transition programs for students with disabilities. (Council for Exceptional Children)

Guideposts for Success in the Transition from youth to adulthood (National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability/ Youth)

Transition Coalition provides online information, support, & professional development focusing on the transition from school to adult life for youth (University of Kansas, Department of Special Education)
     • Transition and Your Adolescent with Learning Disabilities: Moving from High School to Postsecondary Education, Training, & Employment
     • Planning for the Future - a workbook to help students, their families, & professionals plan for life after high school

Starting out Right: Transition to Employment for Young People with LD (SchwabLearning.org)

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