IP Rough Draft

Jori Pace

English 2010

Professor Reece

November 18, 2014

Research Paper Rough Draft

Transitioning Students with Learning Disabilities

            The definition of Learning Disability: “A disorder found in children of normal intelligence who have difficulties in learning specific skills.” The topic I chose to research about is helping students with any kind of learning disability, transition more easily when it comes to moving on to higher education. I see this as something that should be majorly focused on. In this world and in our economy, there is a high demand for an education and a degree in something in order to get a job. School is not an easy thing and I think everyone would agree with that. Now think of the people who have learning disabilities such as A.D.D., A.D.H.D., Autism, and other types of Learning Disabilities. For them Learning is even more difficult their attention span can be very short, and no matter how hard they try to focus, things for them are still difficult. My argument is that everyone deserves a fair chance at an education, and all the resources should be available to all students, even the ones who struggle learning.

            In my first article of research it talks about nine different strategies to help students transition into a college setting. It gives them step by step information on what they need to do right when they apply to a university, so they can get some extra help. My question is: What do Students with Learning Disabilities need to do in order to continue on with their education.

            In the article it list nine different steps that could take place in a high school setting to help which are: 1. “Educate IEP Team members and Special Education Faculty.” Teachers and other faculty members need to be educated so they can know what to do and how to help the students prepare for their upcoming college applications. 2. “Reach out to families.” Parents too need to know what they should be doing to help prepare their child for their college experience. Many parents make assumptions and may think that there is no aid or help for their child but they need to be educated on what is out there that can help their child. 3. “Encourage Students’ Future Independence.” Colleges are not required to give students with learning disabilities every accommodation that they have received in the past. It is important to inform the students that things will be different and reassure them that they can still succeed in their education. 4. “Teach Students to Use Assistive Technology.” Coming into College myself I realized that most all my homework for my classes involves a computer or going online. Teachers need to make sure that they are teaching their students how to use a computer so they can easily figure out how to do their homework and assignments online. 5. “Give Students the Documentation They Need.” Students need to provide the correct information when they are applying for college. It is helpful if the students IEP team in high school is prepared and helps them get all the paperwork ready to go. It is a good idea for them to be prepared with as much information they can get, that way no matter what the College is requiring they have all the paperwork they need. 6. “Educate Students About their Disabilities and Strengths.” Colleges require the students themselves to apply for and ask for assistance with their school work. They need to know what their strengths and weaknesses are. Students with Learning Disabilities need to know about what they struggle with in order to know what they need to focus most on to succeed in their school work. 7. “Explicitly Teach Learning and Organizational Strategies.” People who have a Learning Disability such as A.D.D. have trouble focusing and organizing their thoughts. They need to be taught organizational skills and other skills as well like; Note taking, test preparation, and time management skills. Teaching them that will make their studies a lot easier. 8. “Ensure That Students Are Prepared to Apply for Accommodations at College.” Students are required to apply for help themselves, so they need to know what they need to do. When applying for help the students need to explain their disability and what they struggle with so they can ask for specific help and see if it is available. 9. “Create a Districtwide Transition Program.” This is where schools can help their students the most with their learning disability. If they have a good program that is organized to help the students efficiently then they will be prepared for their upcoming college experience and will have an easier time transitioning.

            This entire article was very informative and I found it to be a very reliable source and an excellent idea for schools to keep these steps in mind. If schools would use these strategies for their students then they will most definitely be prepared to further their education. People might think that if someone has a hard time learning then they need to keep everything simple for them, but the opposite needs to happen. They need to be challenged so that they can improve and move on to higher education. 

This rough draft needs a lot of work, it has been a struggle writing it. Hopefully i can get some more information to make it better and when i post my final draft it looks much better!