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Project PAS (Promoting Academic Success): Expanded Across the Commonwealth

Project PAS (Promoting Academic Success): Expanded Across the Commonwealth. Today’s Presenters. from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Dana Hodges Central Office Supervisor, Special Programs Division Wendy Patterson Central Office Transition Specialist, Special Programs Division.

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Project PAS (Promoting Academic Success): Expanded Across the Commonwealth

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  1. Project PAS(Promoting Academic Success):Expanded Across the Commonwealth

  2. Today’s Presenters from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation • Dana Hodges Central Office Supervisor, Special Programs Division • Wendy Patterson Central Office Transition Specialist, Special Programs Division

  3. Goals for Today • Identify the guidelines for the Transition Grant. • Provide information on the PAS Project. • Present general instructions and a timeframe that can be used across the state.

  4. OVR Transition Grant Overview • OVR was awarded a Transition Grant from the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration. Grant Period: 10/01/2007 – 09/30/2012 We are completing Year #2 of the grant.

  5. PAS Project Project Promoting Academic Success (PAS) is based on the model developed in the OVR Pittsburgh District Office with the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). A pilot project was completed in May, 2008 with these same partners.

  6. The Partners

  7. Grant Specifications • The Grant specifies that students with cognitive disabilities be provided the opportunity to acquire transition skills by attending a local community college. • Cognitive disabilities include Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

  8. DevelopingProject PAS Grant funds are being utilized to: • Develop a standard curriculum • Receive electronic copies of curriculum content • Provide outreach and guidance to interested colleges • Invest in Assistive Technology designed to facilitate the Transition Process

  9. Project PAS Replication Potential • Inexpensive program overall • Replication opportunities until September 2012 • Start talking about the concept now!

  10. Personal Data Type of Disability Gender Age Ethnicity Race Long-term Impact of the Program College Degree Employment Other Outcomes Expected 20 new sites will be developed over a 5 year period. Outcome data to be measured:

  11. How It Started The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) has 4 main campuses in the Pittsburgh area: Allegheny Boyce North South

  12. How It Started… SDS110 • 3 Credit Summer Course • Taught at Allegheny Campus for 11 years • Techniques for becoming a successful student: Time management Organizational strategies Learning styles Study skills Research in college courses Disability services and accommodations Community and campus resources

  13. How It Started… SDS102 • 1 Credit Course • Taught for the past 5 years during the summer at Allegheny Campus. • Taught for the past 2 years during high school at South Campus (Baldwin Mini Grant). • Curriculum intended to help students “Map the Future”. • Students can take the 3 credit course as the next step.

  14. SDS102Project PAS • Modeled after a 2006 Baldwin Mini Grant that piloted a PAS program at CCAC for students in their senior year of high school. • Expanded in the Spring 2008 semester to 2 additional CCAC campuses. • 66 High School students attended. • From 14 School Districts • Supported by 11 OVR Counselors

  15. SDS110 Started Summer,1996 3 credits Summer post HS 45-50 students Allegheny Campus SDS102 Started Summer,2003 1 credit 11-12th Year 12-15 students Allegheny Campus. SDS102 Started March, 2006 1 credit Senior Year 12 students attended South Campus Baldwin Mini Grant SDS102 March, 2008 Allegheny Campus 20 students SDS102 March, 2008 South Campus 30 students SDS102 March, 2008 Boyce Campus 16 students .

  16. Grant Funding The Grant covers the following expenses for students: • Tuition and Fees for Course (1 college credit) • Textbook: Keys to Success (6th Edition) • Journal • Planner

  17. SDS102 Curriculum • Week One: Setting the Stage Differences between high school, work & college • Week Two: Active Learning “Face a Note-taking Challenge” • Week Three: Learning Styles Multiple Pathways to Learning • Week Four: Disability Law “Know Your Rights and Responsibilities”

  18. SDS102 Curriculum • Week Five: Assistive Technology How technology can improve academic performance. • Week Six: Overview of Reading and Study Skills • Week Seven: Evaluating Learning and Progress • Week Eight: Problem Solving and Decision-Making

  19. Who ? Who should be referred? Students with cognitive disabilities (LD, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorders). Who is responsible for making the referral? OVR counselors, high school transition coordinators, college disability service coordinators, and parents.

  20. How? • The school district must be willing to release the student from class. • The parents must sign a permission slip and complete a dual enrollment form. • The student must be eligible for OVR services. The OVR counselor makes the final decision when Grant money or OVR funds are used.

  21. When? • Junior or Senior Year? • October or March? • Grant is driven by • The academic school year • OVR Transition Policy • College’s availability to provide an instructor and classroom.

  22. Why Should You Get Involved? • Provides an effective and inexpensive way to increase the likelihood that OVR services will be successful. • Builds collaboration into the transition process. • Gives OVR the ability to notify students in a timely way of our requirements for college sponsorship. • Assists students to make an informed choice about post-secondary education and/or employment.

  23. Other Considerations • School districts or parents can also fund students that are not OVR eligible.

  24. The CollegePerspective • Students are better prepared to complete their college degree. • Increased enrollment at Community College. • Diverse population served. • Provides quality, trained workers for local employers. • Works with community partners to create low cost training options.

  25. The OVR Perspective • Cost effective way for students to “try out” college before high school graduation. • Community colleges are seen as viable options for post-secondary training. • Transportation is provided by the school district. • Student becomes familiar with supportive services available at the college. • The evolving role of the OVR counselor is more defined to the student and parent.

  26. The High School Perspective • A student who may not be successful in high school is exposed to an alternative academic setting. • Students and parents recognize the difference between entitlement in secondary education and eligibility in post-secondary education. • The student is better prepared to make career decisions before high school graduation. • The school district has developed a transition plan with a community agency.

  27. The Student Perspective • Small class size in the PAS program. • Able to earn a college credit. • College experience during high school. • Better understanding of what will be needed to succeed in college. • Exposure to students from other high schools.

  28. What We Know • There is a real need to prepare youth with disabilities for adult life. • Students may not enroll in appropriate post-secondary training programs. • Proprietary schools often are expensive and do not have support services. • Community College programs strive to fill local employment needs.

  29. Making the Connection Letters Students Parents TCC Meetings IEPs and IPEs

  30. Responsibilities OVR: Eligibility determination Tuition, fees, and books School District: Transportation Permission for student to be out of school Community College: Instructor and classroom for the course Dual Enrollment forms

  31. Who’s on First? All of us! Students can be referred by: • High School Transition Coordinator • OVR Counselor • College Support Services • Parents • Self

  32. Project PASOff the GroundSpring 2009 • CCAC- 5 campuses • PSU –Dubois • Penn College of Technology • Luzerne County Community College • Penn Highlands Community College • Westmoreland County Community College • Allegany Community College of Maryland

  33. PSU – Erie Campus Lehigh Carbon Community College Harrisburg Area Community College- Main, Lancaster, and York Campuses Delaware County Community College Philadelphia County Community College Bucks County Community College Berks County Community College Community College of Beaver County Northampton Community College Project PASUnder Developmentfor Fall 2009

  34. The Next Step • Discuss with your community partners the possibility of starting a PAS program. • Present ideas to your local transition council.

  35. Contact Information Dana Hodges, Supervisor (717)-772-1656 dahodges@state.pa.us Wendy Patterson, Transition Specialist (717)-787-6695 wenpatters@state.pa.us Special Programs Division PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 1521 N. Sixth Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 www.dli.state.pa.us Quick Link to Disability Services

  36. Thank You

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