Educators

What teachers, transition specialists, and other educators need to know

K-12 educators and families of students with intellectual disabilities should know that you can include college when developing a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

To ensure that your student is best prepared for inclusive post secondary education, these resources and information can be a good starting point.

What is an Inclusive Post Secondary Education Program?

Inclusive college programs across the state offer students with intellectual disabilities a variety of academic support and opportunities for growth as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives. Transition planning should include college and begin as early as possible during their middle and high school years. With inclusive college, referred to as Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE), students with intellectual disabilities can now realize their dream of continuing their studies at a university or college with their peers.

Learn about the Principles of IPSE here

How do I prepare students for an IPSE Program?

To prepare students for college life, teachers and transition specialists should support their students by formally implementing goals related to not only academics, but independent study, social skills, and task attention.

To fully prepare students for IPSE success, transition plans should address academic goals as well as soft skills such as:

Self-determination and self-advocacy
Organization
Time management
Personal goal setting
Using technology
Independent study
Basic navigation skills

Resources:

Download this chart for steps you can take now to prepare your student for college life.

20 Powerful Strategies to Prepare Your Student for IPSE.

How do I support writing effective IEP goals for students w/ ID considering college?

The goal of high school and transition planning is to prepare students with intellectual disability for life after high school. As parents, students, and teachers work together on the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), the team can prepare students for success in college.

The suggested goals and ideas in IEPs and transition plans should focus on the skills and knowledge necessary for students to be prepared for college. According to Think College, these major goals can be organized into four categories: education, career and employment, community engagement and services, and independence.

Educators, families, and students should collaborate to:

Assess the student’s skills, areas for growth, and support needs related to the listed goal areas.
Choose goals that align with a student’s motivations, support needs, and present levels of performance.
Develop each chosen idea into a measurable goal that is individualized to the student and specific to an activity.
Keep expectations for your student high!!

Use the following resources to help guide and form transition goals and activities that will support including college in your student’s post high school plan.