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.
