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Philadelphia Charter Operators Developing Post-Graduation Strategies For Students With Disabilities

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- How do charter schools ensure that high school students with learning disabilities make a smooth transition to a job or college?

Charter school operators were putting their heads together today to help students with disabilities after they graduate, and were swapping ideas at a forum at Children's Hospital.

"I think a lot of it for charters is just not knowing," says Ron Harvey, director of special education for Mastery Charter Schools, "I think it comes down to, a lot of charter organizations are new.  A lot of folks have not been around for a while and are really trying to determine where are the resources."

Brenda Taylor (right), a former deputy chief of specialized instruction at the Philadelphia School District, says the key is extending the student's individualized education plan (IEP) beyond graduation day.

"They develop a plan that doesn't stop when they leave school," she tells KYW Newsradio.  "It's actually a plan that's prepared for them that they will continue to utilize."

...to connect students with resources that will help them with college, community living, or finding jobs.

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