CONTINUING EDUCATION
Is Vocational Training in your Future?
Vocational training is a great option for hands-on learners or those looking to enter the workforce quickly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "there are more openings in fields requiring vocational training than there are qualified applicants."
Source: The Department of Labor Vocational Training Workshop
Vocational training programs are typically less expensive than college, are completed under two years, have high job placement rates, and lead to employment above minimum wage. Some colleges now offer vocational training/certifications that take less than one year to complete. If you are approved for ACCES-VR services, this agency may be able to pay for your tuition. See the "Employment Services" tab for more information about ACCES-VR.
Local Adult Education Programs
Is College in your Future?
The transition from high school to college is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming for students with disabilities. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, "94% of high school students with learning disabilities receive some form of assistance. In contrast, only 17% of college students with learning disabilities take advantage of learning assistance resources at their school*1.
Why the discrepancy? One reason could be that a student's IEP does not follow him/her into college. In fact, a college will not know if an applicant has a disability or received accommodations while in high school. It is the student's responsibility to self-identify and link with the office for accessibility/disability to request accommodations after being accepted. This can be intimating for a student to initiate, but we are here to help.
Click here for more information on the college planning process from the Frontier CSD Counseling Center.
Here at Frontier, we want to ensure that students who want to attend college are knowledgeable about the process of requesting accommodations and getting additional supports to promote their success. Students will work with their special education teacher and transition specialist during their senior year to identify the process to request accommodations at the college they will be attending. A great resource for more information is the WNY Collegiate Consortium of Disability Advocates, also know as WNY CCDA. For more information, click here. Beyond the services offered by a college, a student may be able to get additional supports through ACCES-VR.
Parents - Do you have questions about how your role will change as your young adult heads off to college? If so, check out this article by Understood.org to learn about the difference between high school and college and what you can expect as a parent.
The GED Test - High School Equivalency exam
For students leaving high school without a high school diploma (dropped out, receiving the Skills Achievement and Commencement Credential, or Career Development Occupational Studies Credential), the GED could be an option for continuing education.
The GED test has four subject: Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA); Social Studies; Science; and Mathematical Reasoning
For more information on the GED, click here
The Pathways to Success program at Suny Erie (ECC) offers support to adults looking to obtain a high school equivalency diploma. Click here for more information. Below is a summary of the program:
"The High School Equivalency Preparatory (HSE) Program (formally known as the GED program) assists eligible individuals in obtaining their New York State HSE diploma and prepare for the national TASC exam. The HSE Preparatory Program is offered through our partnerships and assists those lacking a high school diploma to obtain their high school equivalency diploma.
FEATURES;
Available at all three campuses and various site partnership locations.
Support from case managers, mentors, and instructors.
Enrollment is ongoing and open throughout the year.
Prepares you for the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) exam in all five areas; reading, writing, social studies, science and mathematics to achieve a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma.
Assistance, upon obtaining your HSE diploma, in discovering the next "Pathway" to college"
Source: Suny Erie State Unversity of New York
tascbrochure.pdfReference:
Eden, Peter. "College Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities." Best Colleges, www.bestcolleges.com/resources/ college-planning-with-learning-disabilities/. Accessed 6 May 2021.
College Prep and High School Programs. SUNY Erie State University of New York, www.ecc.edu/academics/college-prep-high-school-programs.html. Accessed 6 May 2021.
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