School Based Preparatory Experiences
In order to perform at optimal levels in all education settings, all youth need to participate in educational programs grounded in standards, clear performance expectations and graduation exit options based upon meaningful, accurate, and relevant indicators of student learning and skills. These should include:
- Academic programs that are based on clear state standards
- Career and technical education programs that are based on professional and industry standards
- Curricular and program options based on universal design of school, work and community-based learning experiences
- Learning environments that are small and safe, including extra supports such as tutoring, as necessary
- Supports from and by highly qualified staff;
- Access to an assessment system that includes multiple measures, and
- Graduation standards that include options.
In addition, youth with disabilities need to:
- Use their individual transition plans to drive their personal instruction, and strategies to continue the transition process post-schooling
- Access specific and individual learning accommodations while they are in school
- Develop knowledge of reasonable accommodations that they can request and control in educational settings, including assessment accommodations, and
- Be supported by highly qualified transitional support staff that may or may not be school staff.
Resources
- Encouraging Future Innovation: Youth Entrepreneurship Education
An ODEP fact sheet for youth service providers about the benefits of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education and making entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education programs inclusive of youth with disabilities.
- Quick Reference Guide to Assessment
An overview of the assessment process as it relates to decision-making, career planning, and service plan development for a young person.
- What is Assessment?
A description of the purposes, benefits and limitations of assessment and identification of relevant resources.
- National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET)
Coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities.
- National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities
Supports states in assisting local education agencies to increase school completion rates and decrease dropout rates among students with disabilities.
- National Center on Educational Outcomes
Promotes the participation of students with disabilities in national and state assessments, standards-setting efforts, and graduation requirements.
- National Institute for Literacy
The national federal resource for literacy programs.
- A Student's Guide to the Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Developed for older youth with disabilities.
- U.S. Department of Education information on No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
The Federal resource page on No Child Left Behind for the U.S. Department of Education.
