A pilot project for first year community college students with disabilities enrolled in pre-college level courses: Supported higher education program.

摘要

Many graduating Delaware high school students with disabilities who began their first year of college at Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC) in remedial courses were not successful in completing these classes. The subject of this paper is an academic support program for these students that has been designed and implemented by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and DTCC. There are support workshops in math, English, and reading, along with some additional specialized study skills training and seminars. The program goals are the successful completion of coursework, to connect with the next level degree, certificate, or skill training program and to develop study and organizational skills. Recommendations for further investigation include (1) better preparation for first semester of community college experience for students with disabilities, (2) college readiness beyond academic preparedness (psychological, social, and financial), (3) utilization of a case management approach to assist students with a variety of issues (child care, transportation, employment, and affordable housing), (4) improve the admissions and financial aid process, (5) increase student financial literacy skills, (6) pilot programs should demonstrate how passing remedial course is linked to student success in college and employment, (7) training for all instructors in best practices in teaching remedial level courses, (8) continue to build a stronger relationship between staff at DVR and DTCC, and (9) create a peer monitoring program of students who experienced the same challenges.