The shift from the bubble of Lakefield College School to a post-secondary institution is majorbut you can handle it. The key to your success will be understanding your strengths and challenges, and knowing what support you need and where to find it at your new institution.
Being a strong self-advocate will ensure your success. This first component of your Culminating Assignment, which you will complete during the month of April, will help you to understand yourself and your needsand how your chosen post-secondary institution can meet those needs.
Part One of your Culminating Assignment has two stages, both of which you will complete by April 24 th . The accessibility offices of universities and community colleges require this information in order for you to receive accommodations, so the assignment is work that you must do regardless.
Stage One--Knowing Myself
Task Which Will Value 1. By reviewing your LCS Program Provisions and highlighting key parts, create a list of the accommodations and assistive technology support you will need next year. Will let you identify what accommodations you will request from your new school
/7 Knowledge
/3 Communication 2. By reviewing your LCS Program Provisions and highlighting key parts, create a list of five key strategies that you will use in post-secondary learning. Will let you start thinking about how to manage your learning
/7 Thinking /3 Communication 3. Write a one-page, single-spaced document (250-300 words) outlining your learning difference in your own words, and describing what steps you will take to succeed at university. Gives you practice describing how you learn and where your challenges are. Many institutions ask for this as a requirement of their process to approve accommodations. /10 Knowledge /10 Thinking /10 Communication /10 Application Total /60 Stage TwoAssembling & Documenting
Task Which Will Value 1.Visit the accessibility services website at the post-secondary institution you plan to attend, and complete the Accessibility Requirements for My New School worksheet. Will let you see what you need to do to get accommodations at your new school. /10 Knowledge 2. Add a page to your e-learning portfolio that contains the following files: Program provisions from LCS (from Ms. B) Official psych-ed assessment (from Ms. B) List of accommodations and assistive technology needs (the list you created in Stage 1) Description of your learning difference (cover letter you have written to your school; created in Stage 1) Any other items required from your school forms etc.
Will let you assemble the standard information you will need to give your new school. /10 Application (gathering information into one portfolio both electronically and as a hard copy) Total /20
Provisions: Access to basic calculator for tests/exams Use of Computer for Tests/Exams Notetaking Support - notes not available on the log may be photocopied from a peer to support one's own Extra Time for Exams (time + 1/2) Spelling & Grammar - The student will not be penalized unduly for spelling mistakes when it is not possible for him/her to use a computer with a spellchecking program Extra Time for tests
1. I should be using think aloud strategies when I work by myself. Things like a verbal checklist. 2. I should carefully read all test and assignment questions to make sure I answered all the questions properly. 3. I should ask for help if I dont fully understand a question on an assignment or exam. 4. If I am given a task without the help of a computer I should talk about the assignment with the teacher first. 5. It is important that I find good ways to support myself. I should approach my teachers if I am feeling overwhelmed with work.
Ive never really liked the word learning disability or learning difference for a number of reasons. One of these reasons is because I believe I learn the same way as everyone else only I excel in certain areas and am slower in others. The only thing Ive found helpful in my provision would be the extra time and the computer because the both allow me more time. Another reason I never liked the learning disability is learning strats class. I like the class and the extra time to work on assignments, but have never enjoyed the label. Since grade five I have been forced to use Kurzweil with the exception of this year, witch Im thankful for, it seemed to me that they thought they knew how I learn better than I did. They insisted on me using this program even though I would tell them again and again that I despised the program. The same thing would also happen with dragon naturally speaking and other programs such as that. Moving on in university I know exactly what I need to do to become successful. For starters I need extra time for tests and a computer for certain courses. Another thing is that I need to be organized in every aspect of my life