Post high school options outlined for Northwest suburban special ed students
In an effort to provide guidance for parents transitioning their students out of high school and into vocational or collegiate opportunities after graduation, local school districts will host the annual Directions 2013 event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights.
The event is sponsored by the Northwest Educational Council for Student Success, in conjunction with Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211, Northwest Suburban High School District 214, Barrington Area Unit School District 220, Harper College and St. Viator High School. All students in special education programs, as well as their families, are welcome to attend.
“We encourage students from all grade levels to attend Directions 2013 so they can start reviewing their postsecondary options,” said Diane Pfister, transition specialist at District 211. “Our goal is to provide parents and students with the information needed to develop a solid post-high school transition plan.”
The session will start with a welcome from Deb Franzen, accommodation and transition specialist with the Access and Disabilities Department at William Rainey Harper College. Afterward, there will be four different breakout sessions, with the option of a college and career fair that will be going on the entire night.
Representatives from different organizations will be available to discuss their programs, answer questions, and hand out materials. The breakout sessions include: Career Training Programs; Four-year Colleges and Universities; Life Skills Training Programs; and Community College Options.
“Our event features a range of post-high school options,” Pfister said. “Representatives will be available from life skills programs, career training programs, and from two- and four-year colleges and universities.”
For information, contact Diane Pfister at dpfister@d211.org or (847) 755-1851 or Patrick Abraham, director of transition services, at pabraham@d211.org or (847) 755-1848.