New Orleans Guide to High School and Beyond 2018

22
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
Transitioning to High School
for Students with Special Needs,
IEP's and 504 Plans
TRANSITIONING:
• Find out if the school district has a formal transition plan
• Schedule an IEP meeting with middle and high school
representatives to discuss current accommodations and any
special transition support needs
• Review the IEP with your child and speak with him/her about
concerns, accommodations, and future goals
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT:
• Become familiar with support services offered at the school, i.e.
tutors or study groups
• Speak with other parents whose children attend the school to
gain helpful information
• Promote self-advocacy
• Assist the student in developing good study habits and
organization skills
• Encourage student to join activities, which are compatible with
his/her interest and talents
• Check the school's Special Education Program Description
located on the school's website and make sure it fits your child's
needs and education plan.
INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION
PLAN (IEP):
• Familiarize yourself with Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Know your child's rights under I.D.E.A (Individual with
Disabilities Education Act)
• Participate in the IEP Plan process
• Monitor the IEP
• Communicate regularly with the IEP Team
• Work with the school staff/administration to ensure IEP
accommodations are met.
COLLEGE OPTIONS FOR
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Differences Between
High School and College
Understanding the difference between the K-12 school experience
and the college experience, especially regarding the laws, is
key to a smooth transition. In K-12 education, the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), outlines how educational
supports are provided. In postsecondary education, the Americans
with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 forms the legal foundation for protections to individuals
with disabilities. This distinction forms the basis for the legal and
procedural differences that every college student and their parents
need to understand.
The table on the next page highlights some of the important
differences between high school and college. These may pose
some challenges as students move into college. However, there are
strategies that are being used across the country to assist students
with disabilities in navigating potential issues
RESOURCES
• IDEA Information www.wrightslaw.com
• "A Good IDEA" http://bit.ly/FHFIDEA
• Louisiana's Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities
www.Louisianabelieves.com
• Response to Intervention http://bit.ly/ABCsRTI
• Louisiana Department of Education, Office of Legal Services
225-342-3572
• University of Massachusetts Boston Think College
http://www.thinkcollege.net
• National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center
http:/nsttac.org
• Louisiana Special Education Guidance for High School
Students https://www.louisianabelieves.com/resources/
family-support-toolbox
• National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
www.ncset.org