Flexible Supports for College Success Presented by Maria Paiewonsky, Ashley Luce*, and Luke Saint-Amour, this webinar covered topics such as supported education, student engagement in college classes, determining accommodation needs, campus resources, and intensive supports. The presentation emphasized the importance of determining the appropriate level of support for student engagement and satisfaction in college classes. It included information on typical classroom supports, academic accommodations, educational coaching, and peer mentoring. The presenters also shared tools like a syllabus review form and a student report from UMass Boston.
*Ashley Luce was unable to attend. Her insights in preparing for the session were vital in shaping the topics covered, including supported education, student engagement, accommodation needs, and campus resources.
Webinar Takeaways
- Supported education aims to help students with disabilities achieve their educational goals by providing resources and encouragement.
- Three key principles of supported education include enhancing individual skills, increasing environmental support, and maximizing the fit between the individual and the environment.
- Program coordinators play a crucial role in determining the appropriate level of support for students to enhance engagement and satisfaction in college classes.
- Various supports are available for students in college, with only a small percentage relying solely on disability office services.
- Different types of college classes, such as lecture-based, active, group discussion, culminating projects, and performance-based, require varying levels of support and engagement.
- Decision-making about academic support involves considering factors like previous educational experiences, disability impact on learning, course expectations, and the need for accommodations.
- Flexible supports for college success include utilizing existing resources like academic support centers, student accessibility services, and educational coaching/peer mentoring.
- Student responsibilities in accessing support include engaging with instructors, utilizing accommodations, and collaborating with educational coaches.
- Tools like syllabus review forms and student-coach agreements can aid in outlining goals, assignments, and support structures for students.
- Real-life examples from UMass Boston demonstrate how educational coaches and peer mentors support students in classes like History of Country Music.
Helpful Resources
Understanding the Differences between High School and College
The Think College Transition team's guide aids teachers, families, and students in college preparation. It emphasizes preparing for differences in higher education, such as elevated academic standards, greater independence, and new social dynamics.
Getting Accommodations to Succeed in College
This guide was developed by the Think College Transition team to help teachers, families, and students prepare for college. Common college accommodations are explained as well as the steps to getting them.
Checklist for Students and Families Exploring Postsecondary Education Options
This college disability office checklist helps families and students choose the right program for students with intellectual disabilities, covering campus type, housing, support, funding, and more.
The UMass Boston Transition Leadership program is a six-course, 18-month fully online graduate certificate preparing candidates for secondary transition specialist roles. This factsheet outlines program details, candidate eligibility, curriculum, and application requirements.