Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- How do I communicate with my teen?
- What is an Individualized Education Program?
- What is a Learning Disability?
- Are Learning Disabilities Common?
- What if I want to join the military?
- What are Life Skills Programs?
- What are some vocational training opportunities?
- What are apprentice programs?
- Is college an option for me?
- What is the GED?
- What should I do in 9th grade?
- What should I do in 10th grade?
- What should I do in 11th grade?
- What should I do in 12th grade?
- How do I help support my child's learning experience?
- How do I go about having my child tested for special education eligibility?
How do I communicate with my teen?
Parenting: Communication Tips for Parents
Be available for your children
� Notice times when your kids are most likely to talk--for example, at
bedtime, before dinner, in the car--and be available.
� Start the conversation; it lets your kids know you care about what's
happening in their lives.
� Find time each week for a one-on-one activity with each child, and avoid
scheduling other activities during that time.
� Learn about your children's interests--for example, favorite music and
activities--and show interest in them.
� Initiate conversations by sharing what you have been thinking about rather
than beginning a conversation with a question.
Let your kids know you're listening
� When your children are talking about concerns, stop whatever you are doing
and listen.
� Express interest in what they are saying without being intrusive.
� Listen to their point of view, even if it's difficult to hear.
� Let them complete their point before you respond.
� Repeat what you heard them say to ensure that you understand them
correctly.
Respond in a way your children will hear
� Soften strong reactions; kids will tune you out if you appear angry or
defensive.
� Express your opinion without putting down theirs; acknowledge that it's
okay to disagree.
� Resist arguing about who is right. Instead say, "I know you disagree with
me, but this is what I think."
� Focus on your child's feelings rather than your own during your
conversation.
Remember:
� Ask your children what they may want or need from you in a conversation,
such as advice, simply listening, help in dealing with feelings, or help
solving a problem.
� Kids learn by imitating. Most often, they will follow your lead in how
they deal with anger, solve problems, and work through difficult feelings.
� Talk to your children--don't lecture, criticize, threaten, or say hurtful
things.
� Kids learn from their own choices. As long as the consequences are not
dangerous, don't feel you have to step in.
� Realize your children may test you by telling you a small part of what is
bothering them. Listen carefully to what they say, encourage them to talk,
and they may share the rest of the story.
Parenting is hard work
� Listening and talking is the key to a healthy connection between you and
your children. But parenting is hard work and maintaining a good connection
with teens can be challenging, especially since parents are dealing with
many other pressures. If you are having problems over an extended period of
time, you might want to consider consulting with a mental health
professional to find out how they can help.
What is an Individualized Education Program?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement of the
educational program designed to meet a child's special needs. Your child's
IEP should include statements of your child's strengths and weaknesses and
should describe the instructional program developed specifically for your
child. The IEP has two purposes: (1) to establish the learning goals for
your child: and (2) to state the services that the school district will
provide for your child.
What is a Learning Disability?
A learning disability (LD) is a neurological disorder that affects the
brain's ability to receive, process, store and respond to information. The
term learning disability is used to describe the seeming unexplained
difficulty a person of at least average intelligence has in acquiring basic
academic skills. These skills are essential for success at school and work,
and for coping with life in general.
Learning disabilities can affect a person's ability in the areas of:
Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Are Learning Disabilities Common?
Currently, almost 2.9 million school-aged children in the US are classified
as having specific learning disabilities (SLD) and receive some kind of
special education support. They are approximately 5% of all school-aged
children in public schools. These numbers do not include children in private
and religious schools or home-schooled children.
What if I want to join the military?
You may be interested in the highly structured and physically active life
offered in the military. Because military training involves programmed skill
development with lots of practice and repetition, it may be a good option for
people with certain kinds of learning disabilities. However, you'll want to
be sure to carefully consider the impact your LD could have on your training
decisions (for example, if you have difficulties with hand-eye coordination,
you might want to steer clear of explosive and demolition training ).
To weigh the pros and cons of enlisting into military service, speak to
people who have served in the military, and visit a service branch recruiter
to find out more about:
* about military life in general
* if you will have flexibility in choosing specific training options
Military service can lead to immediate post-military employment or additional
education at the college level. Tuition benefits can be an important benefit
of military service. However, it is important for you to know that Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which guarantees rights and reasonable
accommodations for individuals with disabilities, does not cover uniformed
personnel branches of the military. No particular accommodations are made,
except for civilian employees.
Tests Required:
Before enlisting in any branch of the armed forces, you must take the Armed
Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This series of tests measures
your reading, spelling, math, mechanical, and general knowledge. The tests
usually screen out individuals who cannot perform adequately in basic skill
areas. One way to prepare for this exam is to get a workbook called Practice
for the Armed Forces Test, by Solomon Wiener and E.P. Steinberg (Arco
Publishing). This book is available in bookstores, online stores, and most
public libraries. Another way to prepare for the ASVAB test is to join an
online practice course. Keep in mind that even if you pass the exam, you are
not necessarily guaranteed placement in an appropriate training program that
will fit your strengths and needs.
What are Life Skills Programs?
Some people with learning disabilities need more intensive services than a
community college, university, or vocational-technical school can offer. Life
Skills programs are post-secondary educational programs that help young
people learn skills needed for independent living.
These programs are provided in a residential setting and often offer
training in:
* Life skills
* Workplace literacy
* Social skills development
* Vocational and career exploration and training
* Time management
* Banking and budgeting.
Independent Living Centers are nonprofit, community-based agencies that help
people with disabilities achieve and maintain self-sufficient lives within
the community. Services offered include advocacy, information and referral,
independent living skills training, and peer counseling.
What are some vocational training opportunities?
Vocational-technical programs are geared for employment rather than academic
study. They offer a specialized practical education instead of a college
degree. Vocational programs are taught in both public and private
institutions. At the completion of a vocational-technical education program,
students earn either a degree or a certificate.
Public Vocational-Technical Education Programs
There are different state requirements for licenses to practice certain
trades or professions and for accreditation for completing specific courses
of study.
Your community may offer public vocational-technical education services in
one or more of the following institutions:
Community Colleges
At two-year community and junior colleges you can combine occupational
training with liberal arts.
Two-year Technical Institutes
Also known as technical colleges, two-year technical institutes offer degree
programs in skills you will need to enter and advance in specific
occupational fields, such as business management, insurance, law
enforcement, animal health, automotive maintenance, graphic communications,
and social services.
Area Vocational-Technical Center/Career Centers
These centers usually offer training in a wide range of occupational areas.
The amount of time required to complete course work depends on the
requirements of the particular occupational areas. Vocational-Technical
centers usually do not grant degrees. After you complete a course of study,
you will earn a certificate in a specific occupational area.
Single-Specialty Public Vocational-Technical Schools
In a few areas of the country, publicly supported schools offer training in
single-specialty skills. Depending on the area, such schools may specialize
in such fields as aviation, truck driving, barbering, or cosmetology.
Private Schools
Private (proprietary) schools are trade, technical or business schools that
offer training in a variety of occupational skills. These small,
single-purpose schools specialize in practical training. They offer programs
in fields that generally require up to two years of training to gain skills
needed for employment.
Questions to Ask
To help you decide which vocational school is right for you, ask the
following questions when researching schools:
* How much time is needed to complete the coursework?
* What degree or certificate will I get when I complete this program?
* Does this program accommodate students with learning disabilities?
* What job placement opportunities are generally open to people who enroll
in this program?
What are apprentice programs?
If you're looking to learn a particular skill or trade through "hands-on"
experience, an apprenticeship program may be an option worth considering.
As an apprentice, you'll be hired at a full-time entry level position with
the chance to work under an experienced supervisor. You may also be required
to participate in limited classroom and lab study.
If you're good at working with your hands, have a knack for fixing things,
and/or are interested in learning a specific skill from on-the-job training,
an apprentice program may be the perfect choice for you.
To find out about apprenticeship programs in your area, call your nearest
state employment office. You can also call the nearest U.S. Department of
Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Office.
Is college an option for me?
College offers a wide range of potential benefits to all students. For some,
a two-year or four-year college or university program may lead to a career-
entry job. For others, a college degree may lead to graduate school or
professional training. Your experiences both in and out of classes can help
set a career course for you.
Two-Year Colleges
For many students, two-year colleges provide a chance to prepare for further
education, to learn an occupational skill, or to change careers. Students who
complete these two-year programs earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. You
can most often transfer credits earned at a two-year college to a four-year
college or university. Some courses of study lead to an Associate of Applied
Science (AAS) degree. These are usually occupation-specific degrees (e.g.,
automotive technician). Some of the AAS degree coursework can be transferred
to a four-year college, but some of it cannot.
Community Colleges
These schools offer liberal arts subjects in addition to training in specific
occupations, such as hotel management, auto mechanics, marketing, computer
programming, or dental assisting. Most community colleges have remedial or
developmental courses that can help you upgrade your basic academic skills,
if needed.
Private Junior Colleges
Most private junior colleges are small, residential schools that prepare
students for transfer to a four-year liberal arts college. Some private
junior colleges offer occupational training. Entrance examinations are
usually required, however, in many cases, work experience and extracurricular
activities are also considered in the admissions process. Students who
complete the two-year program earn an AA degree.
Four-year Colleges
Four-year colleges and undergraduate university programs, including four-year
technical schools, vary in tradition, size, admissions criteria, academic
standards, course offerings, student population, location and cost. Students
who complete a four-year course of study earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or
a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
Most colleges or undergraduate universities will expect you to sample a
variety of courses during your first two years. You will then be expected to
focus on your major during your last two years. Although requirements for
graduation differ widely from school to school, most colleges require that
you earn a certain number of credits in English and in foreign languages.
What is the GED?
The GED is a series of five timed tests. The individual tests are:
* Language Arts: Writing, Social Studies, Science;
* Language Arts: Reading and Mathematics.
Those who pass the five tests earn a GED diploma. Most employers and colleges
recognize the GED diploma as a high school equivalency diploma. You can
prepare for the GED Tests through your adult education programs.
You can take the GED Tests with accommodations, if you need them.
Accommodations on the tests can include one or more of the following,
depending on your needs: extra time, a private room, large print version,
audiocassette, use of a scribe and use of a calculator. To request
accommodations on the tests, you will need to complete a request form that
you can obtain from your local GED Testing Center
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ged/.
What should I do in 9th grade?
9th Grade
* Schedule a meeting with your high school guidance counselor to discuss
your coursework for this and upcoming years.
* Join at least one extracurricular activity either in school or in your
community.
* Develop study skill strategies, keeping in mind that different
strategies might be needed for each subject.
* Decide whether you could benefit from accommodations. If the answer is
yes, try them out and be confident about which ones work best for you.
* Take note of the classes in which you are successful and identify what
it is about them that you like.
* Take note of the classes in which you are struggling and identify what
in particular makes them so difficult.
* Learn what it means to be a self-advocate, and ask your parents,
guidance counselor and others how you can start honing important advocacy
skills.
What should I do in 10th grade?
10th Grade
* Be an active participant in all of your IEP meetings.
* Be sure that you are aware of your rights to reasonable accommodations
and make sure that any accommodations granted are working for you.
* Setting goals for yourself to become a more effective self-advocate.
* Get information about exams (such as PSAT, SAT, high stakes state
assessments) and how to apply for needed test accommodations.
* Learn about the services made available through your local Vocational
Rehabilitation Agency and how this agency may be able to help you during and
after high school.
* Begin exploring college options by searching the Web and sending away
for catalogs of colleges that interest you.
* Continue to participate in extracurricular activities and build your
resume with community service and other volunteer activities.
* If you can jugle the demands of school and work, find a part time
employment opportunity.
* Begin to have meaningful conversations with parents, guidance
counselors, members of your IEP team or others and begin to explore your
career interests.
* If you are planning to go to college, consider taking an admissions
test preparation course during the summer.
What should I do in 11th grade?
11th Grade
* Discuss your future plans with your guidance counselor.
* Take college admission tests.
* Conduct research about colleges and if possible, make campus visits.
* Work with your IEP team (if you receive services through the public
school) and others to continue planning the transition from high school to
post-secondary programs or work.
* Watch for announcements about career meetings, test dates, special
grants, and scholarships.
* Talk to your guidance counselor to find out about financial aid.
* Attend seminars, college nights, and futures fairs.
* Talk to students who are already in college to learn what will be
expected of you.
* Work or volunteer during the summer, if possible.
* Talk to teachers about recommendations you will need for your college
applications or work references.
* Visit and interview people who work in jobs that interest you.
What should I do in 12th grade?
12th Grade
* Retake college admission tests if you think you can improve your test
scores.
* Get information about services and support that your local Vocational
Rehabilitation Agency can provide.
* Arrange for counseling or tutoring to ensure a smooth transition from
high school to college or work.
* Narrow your educational and/or employment choices with your IEP team
and guidance counselor.
* Talk to guidance counselors about helping you with interviews,
references, applications, etc.
* Apply for financial aid.
* Visit as many campuses or potential work sites as possible.
* Meet all your deadlines for college admissions, including housing,
admissions and registration.
* Send thank you notes to everyone who helped.
How do I help support my child's learning experience?
Here are some suggestions that can help you support your child's learning
and maintain a good working relationship with school professionals:
Let your child's teacher(s) know that you are interested in playing an
active part in your child's educational program. Plan and schedule times to
talk with the teacher(s) and, if possible, visit the classroom.
Offer to explain any special equipment, medication, or medical problem your
child has.
Inform the teacher(s) of any activities or significant events that may
influence your child's performance in school.
Ask that samples of your child's work be sent home. If you have questions,
make an appointment with the teacher(s) to discuss new strategies for
meeting your child's goals.
Ask for suggestions of how you can continue, expand, and reinforce your
child's school activities at home.
Volunteer to help in the classroom or school. This will give you the
opportunity to see how things work in the school and how your child
interacts with others.
Let the school know that you may be contacted if you are needed.
Remember that you and the school want success for your child. Working
together can make this happen.
How do I go about having my child tested for special education eligibility?
If you are concerned with your child's behavior or academic progress, you
should contact your child's school psychologist or school counselor to
arrange a Learning Instruction Team (LIT) meeting. At this meeting you,
your son or daughter and their teachers, administrator, counselor and school
psychologist attend to discuss academic or behavioral concerns.
Interventions are discussed and suggested as well as if a psychoeducational
evaluation is warranted.