Creating a Successful Transitions Program

In Ten Easy Steps

Julie Scoskie, Director

Joyce Griffith, Specialist

Jefferson County Public Schools Adult and Continuing Education

• Learn the 10 steps that will enable you to Develop a Successful Transitions Program

• Discuss the Ongoing Process to Maintain the Program and Its Successes

Our Goals Today

Step 1Create an Advisory Council

• Recruit stakeholders– Local Business Leaders

– Workforce Investment Board Members

– Chamber of Commerce Leaders

– Library Officials

– Local Education Leaders (all levels, public and private)

– Elected Officials

• Be prepared– Do your homework (know the statistics and benefits to them and

their constituents)

• Use the Group’s Expertise – Ask them to identify resources and gaps

Step 2 Make the Pitch

Request a meeting with college leaders:

• Sell them on the benefits (GED recipients are their future

students)

• Discuss areas of collaboration

• Outline areas of similarity (vision and mission)

• Explain what you can offer and why it is beneficial

• Share credentials

• Exert a willingness to work together/not take over

• Agree to ground rules including financial support

Jointly draft a Memorandum of Understanding that:

• Clearly details roles and responsibilities• Ensures that the collaboration will survive changes in

leadership• Eliminates misunderstandings • Ensures that the partnership will be mutually beneficial

Step 3Get It In Writing

• Ask college faculty and Adult Education instructors to form a committee to guide assessment, curriculum development, alignment, and determine cut scores for referral.

• Discuss how to facilitate the transition of GED recipients to college

– College Bound Program– Scholarships to College– Introduction to College

Step 4Collaborate with Faculty

• Re-brand Adult Education Services

• Market components of the partnership

• Hold Adult Education classes on campus

• Mirror the college’s schedule and format (Ex. Use a syllabus)

• Utilize campus and Adult Education support services

• Enter the transition courses into the college’s data base

and student information into the Adult Education data base

• Have students take both the Adult Education and the

College’s assessments

Step 5Integrate Adult Education to the

College Structure

• Introduce one subject (math, English,

reading, or ESL) at a time• Identify gaps• Determine what works and what doesn’t work• Refine the program based on feedback from

all stakeholders

Step 6Pilot the Partnership

Collect, Report, and Use Data

Step 7Combine Processes

• Track and report student progress– Demographics– Assessment Scores– Retention– Course Completion– Certificate/Degree Completion

• Build on Successes

• Conduct formal monthly meetings with leadership and

other staff members from Adult Education and the

College (Record minutes.)• Identify point persons for day-to-day operations• Keep stakeholders informed of progress

– Advisory Council– Adult Education Staff– College Staff– College Advisors– Admissions Counselors – Students– Community

Step 8Communicate

• Monitor data and gather feedback• Maintain a willingness to adapt to meet

changing needs and shifting student

populations• Plan for Continuous Improvement

Step 9Continue to Adapt and Refine

• Use the data and student success to publicize

the program, recruit students, apply for

additional funding, and gain recognition for

both institutions

• Share best practices

• Take a deep breath, go back to Step 4 and

repeat

Step 10Celebrate Success

Questions?

To find out more:

Go to: http://www.ged4u.com and click on “Transition to Postsecondary Education”