Post Secondary Options - Vocational

Vocational

Table of Contents

Teachers

Definition: Post Secondary Options - Choices of what to do after high school.

Key Terms:

  1. Community College - A type of college that offers 2 year (Associate) degrees to local students. Housing is not offered.
  2. College/University - A post secondary education option that offers 4 year (Bachelor) degrees. Some also offer graduate degrees, such as Master degrees, PhD’s etc.
  3. Trade or Technical School - A type of educational institution that offers vocational education, or technical skills required to do a particular job.
  4. Military - Armed forces responsible for securing and defending their country.
  5. Apprenticeship - On-the job training where a person learns about a position by working under a skilled individual in that field.

Discussion Points

  • The difference between a college and university is that colleges are smaller and focus on undergraduate (Four year degrees) education, whereas universities are larger and offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  • All colleges and universities have an office that assists students with disabilities with any accommodations and modifications they might need. Students have the option of self identifying themselves if they want services, however it is optional. *See additional resources for families and students page for sample questions to ask.
  • Students that choose to go into the military after graduation can also go to college and have it partially or fully paid for afterward.
  • Students will no longer have an IEP after high school, however they can have a 504 plan that will assist them with accommodations and modifications for post secondary plans.

Activity 1: Word Scramble

Teacher will start by giving each student a copy of Student Activity Sheet A, and have them take a survey on their post secondary plans so the teacher can get a gauge of where everyone is at with their planning.

Materials Needed:
  • Student Activity Sheet A
  • Student Activity Sheet B
  • Writing Utensil

Next, review the key terms and discuss the various options students have for when they graduate. Once everyone seems to have a good understanding of their choices, teacher can pass out a copy of Student Activity Sheet B to each student and have them complete word scramble activity. Review answers as a class.

Activity 2: The Interview

This activity was designed to be used as a follow up/homework activity to Activity One, however if the teacher can identify adults within the school building that can be interviewed for 10 minutes during that class period, activity can be done in school as well.

Materials Needed:
  • Student Activity Sheet C
  • tudents will need to choose an adult to interview.

Students will use questions on Student Activity Sheet C to interview an adult of their choosing. Teacher will have students share their interview experiences.

Script Writing and Animation

Script Prompt: Pair students and have them take turns creating a movie clip about what their plans are for after high school, and how they plan on meeting that goal. Students should name and record their scripts using SiLAS software, and save the final movie.

Materials Needed:
  • Script sheet for each group
  • Pencil for each student
    •

For example: Samantha wants to become a vet tech. To meet that goal she needs to research what community colleges offer that program, how to apply and when to apply by, are any special requirements needed for this program, how is she getting to/from school, how is it going to be paid for etc…

Lesson Review

Allow students to complete the student lesson review sheet. Discuss answers when finished.

Materials Needed:
  • Student Lesson Review Sheet - 1 per student
  • Pencil for each student
    •

Students

Go to only student curriculum

Student Activity Sheet A

Answer the questions below.

Post Secondary Survey

1. Do you feel prepared for life after high school?

2. Are you aware of the different options you have for after high school?

3. Do you know what type of education and requirements you need for the career you are interested in?

4. Do you know where you can find resources to help you with your post secondary decisions?

Student Activity Sheet B

Complete the Word Scramble Below

1. You might choose this option if you want to go straight to a job after graduation…

phaipetrpseni

2. You might choose this option if you do not want to go away and live at college for the first two years...

mnctoymiu olglece

3. If you want to learn a specific vocational trade but do not want to go to college, you might be interested in this option…

rdtea oclosh

4. If you like to travel, want to help serve your country, and are not interested in going to college or working right away you might do this…

tyimlrai

5. If you are interested in going to a big school and pursuing an undergraduate and graduate degree, you might choose this option…

vinersiyut

Student Activity Sheet C

Post Secondary Interview

Interview Questions

1. Who helped you the most to prepare for your future?

2. What was the hardest part of preparing for life after high school?

3. What path did you take after high school? (Type of career/schooling)

4. If you could do things over again, would you do anything differently? If so, what?

5. What advice would you give me about life after high school?

Student Lesson Review Sheet

Directions: To check your understanding of the lesson, answer the following questions.

1. What type of school do you need to attend to earn a Bachelor’s Degree?

2. What type of school can you earn an Associate’s Degree from?

3. You can earn a college degree entirely online. True or False

4. You can get additional vocational training after high school at this type of school

5. What can you do after high school if you are interested in serving your country?

6. If you want to start working right after high school graduation, what is somethin

Additional Resources for Parents and Students

Questions to Ask of the College Student Disability Office provided by: SPAN: Parent Advocacy Network www.spanadvocacy.org

  1. How many students with disabilities are on campus? Are they full time, part time, residents, commuters? Are they the typical age of college students, or older?
  2. What are the goals/ objectives of this program?
  3. What services are provided? Is there a charge for this service? How do I get this service?
  4. What records/documentation of a disability are needed to get academic accommodations? How recent does the testing need to be?
  5. What specialized training in disabilities do you have?
  6. Is tutoring and/or counseling provided on one-to-one, or group? If in a group, how large is it? How often can I get this?
  7. How long do I get these services? A semester, a year, or as long as I am a student?
  8. Is the campus accessible? Are there any courses unavailable to students with disabilities?
  9. Are there courses required of students with learning disabilities? If so, do they carry college credit toward graduation?
  10. Can I carry less than a full course load in my first year?