As Bill 5113 (Concussion Management and Protocol) makes its way from the CT State House to the Senate, many schools and sports programs are thinking and talking about how they handle students with concussions. Yesterday I visited a local private school where I was invited to review their Concussion Management Program and make recommendations in light of the changes that are likely coming. Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury are quickly becoming a very important topic for professionals who specialize in working with students who have learning differences. Treatment plans and accommodations that are offered by medical personnel who examine students can be overly generalized. It is very important to measure a student's academical, social and emotional functioning before they engage in sports/other activities where they may become injured to establish a baseline and again post injury. Long after the physical symptoms disappear, executive functioning may be impaired and have long term effects. States across the country are re-evaluating how they respond to students with Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Presentation to Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Organization (2 of 2)
Dr. Berg discussing transition programming in college.
Presentation to Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Organization (1 of 2)
Dr. Berg discussing disability services in colleges.
What Can I Do to Prepare for the College Application Process?
First, your child needs to understand their learning disability, how it impacts them academically and requires alternative strategies that will help them perform well despite the learning disability. If a learning disability or ADD/ADHD is suspected but not identified, consider getting a psychological evaluation.
Second, your child must start to develop self-advocacy skills now. These skills are crucial to getting accommodations in college. Your child needs to understand that the only way he/she will likely get their needs met is if they understand their learning disability and can clearly ask for what they need.
Third, your child can start to form close relationships with people who can recommend them to an admissions committee. Those people should be very familiar with your child’s performance and with their character.
Fourth, you can explore your child’s interests and see what they are passionate about. Encourage them to get involved in extracurricular activities that mean something to them. It is more important that your child demonstrates a commitment and strong interest in an activity than doing a vast variety of activities that they have some interest in.
Fifth, get the appropriate documentation for each college (there is no universal standard for documentation) and consider having your child take the PSAT early to get a feel for what the test is like. There is no penalty in taking the test. and your child will automatically qualify to become a national merit scholar just for taking it. Also plan to take the SAT or ACT early so that there is time to study and take the test again if necessary.
Sixth, create a timeline for all of the tasks associated with your college applications. You want to get your applications in on time and completed in the best possible way.
Finally, start the application process early and assess whether the coursework that you are taking is challenging enough or too challenging.
Important Questions to Ask on a College Tour
- How would you describe the student body’s personality?
- How is this school distinctive? (If the tour guide mentions a program or opportunity that interests you, make a note to follow up with an e-mail or a phone call to the admissions office to get more information)
- How many students transfer to another school during or after their first year?
- How does a student get academic support if he/she needs it?
- How would you describe students’ relationships with professors?
- How do you award scholarships and financial aid?
- What are the most popular majors at this college?
- What percentage of your students graduate in four years?
- How many students are assigned to an advisor? How much time are they required to spend with each student?
- What do you think the college needs to improve?
- Do students stick around on weekends or do they leave?
- Do a lot of students do internships?
- How does the school help with the transition from high school to college?