Transition Learning Campus Aberdeen Central High School/Presentation College About the Program What is the Transition Learning Campus? The Aberdeen Central High School has entered into a partnership with Presentation College to create a unique program for students who desire independence. This is one option available for special education students 18-21 years old who want to work toward achieving their post-school outcomes. The college atmosphere with same-age peers creates an opportunity to plan a transition to adulthood through continued education, work experience, and leisure experiences. Who can attend? Students on an IEP that have completed all the classes required to graduate. Students should not have received a signed high school diploma. These students have walked through their graduation ceremony but still need to gain some skills to see success in life. For Aberdeen students, the decision is made through their IEP meetings. For out-of-district students, the decision is made after their applications, current IEP and current evaluations are reviewed and an interview is held. These interviews usually take place in March. If accepted, out-of-district students transfer into the Aberdeen School District. How long can students attend? The same rules apply as for any student on an IEP. Some students attend one year and have gained the confidence to move on to regular college or life. Most students attend two years and move on to the workplace and an apartment. The decision is made by the IEP team. Where do students live? If the TLC intake committee makes this determination, students may live in the suites at PC. These apartments have four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen. Pay laundry facilities are shared with three other suites. The students make arrangements with the college to live in the suites and agree to the fees that they charge. The TLC program helps students make these arrangements. Presentation College can also make the determination that students must move out of the suites if students do not live appropriately. If students do not reside in the suites, they can live at home or in their own off-campus apartment. Who supervises the student living? The students coming to the TLC program must have enough independent living skills to handle making simple meals and getting along with roommates. The TLC does use the suites as a classroom for learning to clean, vacuum, laundry and social skills during the school day. The TLC students have the same freedoms as regular college students. They must be able to fill their evening and weekend time, make simple meals or eat at the dining hall, and manage their own behaviors. What about classes? Students can take classes from the college for credit or audit and take TLC classes. TLC classes are Job and Transition, Work Experience, Consumer Math, Life Science, Leisure and Recreation Skills, and other classes as determined by the IEP team. 1
What about college classes? Everyone takes at least one college class. All students take College Experience. Beyond this class it is a team decision whether students take any more college classes. Presentation College limits the number of credits a student in the TLC program can take per semester to six. The public school provides a $350 pool of money for college classes per student each year. The college charges our students $150/credit hour or $50/audit hour for classes. If the classes students choose exceed this amount, students must pay. Presentation College provides two certificate programs for the TLC students. Students can take seventeen regular college credits in computers or health to receive a certificate. Do the students have jobs? The students can get a job in town on their own or have a Project Skills job, a work experience program sponsored by the Dept of Rehabilitation. Students are transported to and from jobs during the school day, as needed, or they may drive. If they work after school, they must drive themselves or use one of the public transportation options. Who pays for lunch? If they attend at the TLC program, they need to provide money for their own lunches. As part of the Life Science class the students plan a menu, make a shopping list, shop for and pay for their own groceries. They then use those groceries to prepare their noon meal. This is done on a bi-weekly basis. Can I still go out for Special Olympics? For those students that qualify, Special Olympics bowling, basketball, swimming, and track and field are available. Are computers provided? The TLC has eight laptops for students to use, how they are used and where they are used is up to the TLC teacher to determine. Students are encouraged to come with their own laptop computer that has a wireless network card if they want control over when they have a computer. What happens when a student completes the TLC program? Students are connected to the needed adult or college services. Students are issued their high school diploma. Out-of-district students, a letter is sent to your high school principal informing the school that you have completed your coursework and a signed diploma can now be issued to you. It is requested that your transcript can be marked to indicate you are a graduate. 2
Criteria for Acceptance into the Central High School/Presentation College Transition Learning Campus The student must be between the ages of 18 and 21. The student must have completed 4 years of high school but have waived their right to receive a diploma until completion of the TLC program. The student must actively be working toward the goal of becoming an independent member of society (ex. seeking paid employment, preparing for a driver s license test). The student must have a good work ethic. The student must be able to function with minimal supervision and support. The student must demonstrate appropriate behaviors in community settings (college campus, etc) The student must be willing to work with college students as they pursue their degrees. Parental involvement is encouraged (support child s independence and paid employment, attend meetings, return paperwork, overall support). The student must have letter of recommendation from a teacher, facilitator, or building administrator. The student must be willing to participate in career experiences on or off campus for approximately 10-20 hours per week. The student s academic performance is below the 5% percentile in two or more areas. Acceptance will be determined by the transition committee upon review of the application, student information form, review of the IEP, attendance and discipline records, and appropriateness of placement for the student (least restrictive environment). Central High School/Presentation Transition Learning Campus Application 3
If a student is interested in attending the Transition Learning Campus an application should be completed as part of their junior or senior IEP meeting. Also, include a copy of the most current IEP, the most current psychological/cognitive evaluation, attendance records and behavior reports when you send in the application. The year before a student might attend a letter of recommendation from the teacher should also be included. Name D. O. B. Student SIMS # Student Address Student Phone Numbers Parent or Guardian Name/s Home School and Address Anticipated Graduation Special Education Teacher or Case Manager Health Concerns/Medications Strengths Hobbies/Interests Career Interests What are the parent s and/or applicant s expectations of this program? Previous Work Experience: Yes No Job Site(s) How Long Position Held Paid or Unpaid 4
Form completed by: Relationship to student: On campus living may be available using grant money. If not available, would you be willing to pay approximately $2,000 per semester. Yes No Signature of Parent or Payee I am making application to the Transition Learning Campus located in Aberdeen, SD of my own free will and want to attend this program. I will abide by the rules of the program and will work toward achieving my goals. Signature of Student Permission to Photograph On occasion, students will be photographed; video taped, filmed, and/or interviewed for newspaper articles, brochures, television, and public information presentations. I hereby grant permission to be photographed and/or interviewed. Student Signature Parent Signature It is highly recommended that a tour be set up with the student, parent, and the teacher. Please set up a tour at your earliest convenience by calling the TLC program at 605-229-8301. Application pages 4-5 and reports should be sent to: Nola Roitsch Presentation College 1500 North Main Aberdeen, SD 57401 5