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What If There Is No Plan After High School
We're here to help. Reach out to speak with a member of The Transitions at Janus School team.
Building Confidence, Skills
& Connections
A Bridge from High School to Independence
Yet, having a plan in place – whether going into the workforce, taking a gap year, pursuing ongoing education or attending a transitions program – is imperative to lifelong success. Below are some steps students and families can consider to kickstart the planning process and map out a path for the future.
STEP 1: Embrace the Unknown (And Talk About It)
Many times, students with learning differences do not have a plan in place after high school because they fear what comes next. They have spent the last four years following a specific routine and it is about to completely change. Plus, often many students just don’t know what their options are. Should they be looking at colleges? How about jobs?
Change can be overwhelming for anyone, so if your child does not have a plan in place don’t panic. But do begin having conversations to help them process where they are and begin working toward laying out a path for what is ahead. Having an open discussion with your child to acknowledge their uncertainties and explain how a plan can help alleviate these feelings is an important first step.
Step 2: Explore the Options
Now that the lines of communication are open, it’s time to start exploring and evaluating the many options available after high school. During this phase, talk with your child and empower them to advocate for themselves. Help them dig deeper into what they enjoy and what they see themselves doing in the future. Consider tracking the process in a spreadsheet or central document and make sure to consider backup plans. Not every idea your child has may be realistic or obtainable right after high school, so if plan A does not work right away, it is important to have a plan B and even C, just in case. It is also important to be honest with your child about their future goals.
Once you have narrowed down the options, finding opportunities to experience aspects of that path first-hand can be invaluable. For example, if a student thinks they want to work with children, set them up to volunteer at a daycare or enroll them in a college class in early childhood development to help them decide if it is a career they want to pursue further. From there, the plan can continue to evolve.
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5 Steps to Help Students With Learning Differences Chart a Path to the Future
In my time at Transitions I am proud that I have accomplished a number of things. I have given several presentations to different groups on the Transitions aeroponics and brook trout programs. I also went to my first college class, College Success, where I got an A. This year I took two new college classes, Math and English. I was certainly stressed, but with support from Transitions I was able to work to the best of my ability and pass the classes with A’s. There are also other successes that you can’t measure in grades but rather life skills. When I started in this program I was very dependent on others, I would ask a lot of questions. I also had a hard time cleaning. I didn’t know what to do if all of my work was finished. Now I am independent, I know how to do everyday tasks like cleaning, and I know how to occupy my time better. I have accomplished more than I ever expected in Transitions.
– Zach J.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Step 3: Examine Support Resources
As opportunities are being explored, it’s important to also look into the support resources available. For students who want to enter the workforce, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is a great place to start. OVR helps students under the age of 21 craft individualized plans for employment and aids in training and securing a specific job. For students considering college, connect with the institution they are interested in attending to examine the resources available for students with learning differences. Counselors and therapists can also provide valuable support throughout this phase.
For students who would benefit from more time and support to define their plan, transition programs are also another option. Transition programs provide guidance to students through hands-on experiences in a supportive environment as they explore options for the future.
Step 4: Empower Self-Advocates
Some students may be fearful of disclosing their learning difference to potential employers or higher education providers, fearing it will negatively impact them. In fact, less than one in 20 students with disabilities disclose their specific learning difference in postsecondary schools*. For many, this decision is about distancing themselves from the “learning disability” label; however, the result can be detrimental.
Being diagnosed with a learning difference is a part of a student’s unique identity and they need to understand it. It is imperative for parents to empower their children with skills needed to embrace their learning difference and become self-advocates. For example, helping them form questions is okay but then make them ask them on their own to foster independence. In addition, having students research different resources instead of doing it for them helps to grow advocacy skills. Guidance and support are critical for students throughout the process, but the most successful plans are those actively created by the students themselves.
* According to the National Center of Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
Step 5: Remember Every Student is Different
Every student is unique, and no one path after high school will look the same. Some students know the college they want to attend when they enter high school, while others approach graduation with no plan. Everyone’s journey is different. Having open communication with your child, their teachers, counselors and advisors about post-graduation plans will help alleviate a lot of uncertainly for you and your child. As your child’s biggest supporter, the best thing you can do is help them bridge the gap between high school and their next venture whatever that may be!
If you have questions about helping your high schooler evaluate what comes after graduation, reach out. At Transitions at Janus, our focus is on helping young adults take control of the process in a supportive environment. Through partnerships with local businesses, colleges and organizations, our students practice critical life skills through hands-on experiences. Our team can help connect you with the resources and tools to map out a path to success!