College Preparation Program at Transition 

Transition at BCSSSD is so excited to be offering a college preparatory program to your young adult.  This program was designed for eligible students interested in taking courses at the collegiate level while attending our program.   Our strong partnership with Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) and our newly approved curricula at BCSSSD will build a solid foundation for our students who want to go on to college.   This program can only be successful with your young adult's strong desire and commitment to the program along with your parental support and involvement.  

The college readiness program will occur at our campus based location on year one.  Here, our young adults will exhibit college readiness skills in the areas of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics and have a focus and motivation to continue to be lifelong learners and seek and maintain competitive employment opportunities in the local community. During year two of the program, our young adults will participate in college coursework on the RCBC college campus or online on our campus. In addition, the young adult will have access to utilize college resources and have access to the social life within the college community.  

The ACHIEVE consists of three phases to prepare our students for anticipated successful experience at college. The first two phases are divided into two full semesters (one school year) here on our Transition Campus.  The areas of focus will be on academic preparation in taking the accuplacer- college level entry test; helping them become familiar with the technology used at a college level, simulating the academic expectations to include course requirements and self management, and understanding the college language and resources available to them on the college campus. All students during each phase of this program will continue to be involved in our Structured Learning Experiences (SLE) at least one day per week to prepare them for the work world as this experience and skill set is needed for all of our students.

Phase 3 involves the student participating in a college level course either on the RCBC Mount Laurel or Mt. Holly Campus or an online program through RCBC.  Students may take one course up to 3 credits per semester which BCSSSD will cover the cost for the course and parents/guardians are responsible for purchasing any textbooks. BCSSSD will provide a staff member on the college campus during the academic class and provide transportation to and from the college campus on district school days and school hours.  Families are asked to make the commitment to ensure their young adult attends class on non BCSSSD school days, provide guidance on self management at home for completion of course requirements, and to ensure the student has access to a computer for college academics and communication to professors and peers.  

This is a big step for your young adult and we are so excited to be part of this journey with both you.

KEYS TO SUCCESS IN ACHIEVE:  

Attitude, Self-Advocacy, Accepting Responsibility, and Preparatory Curriculum

Attitude.
Our young adults need to have a positive attitude and interest in learning to achieve their goals. It takes a good disposition and understanding of how a positive attitude will help them get through some challenging obstacles to meet success.

Self- Advocacy.
Our young adults with disabilities need to know the functional limitations that result from their disabilities and understand their strengths and weaknesses. They should be able to explain their disabilities. Our young adults  need to practice explaining their disabilities, as well as why they need certain services.

Accept Responsibility for Own Success.
Our young adults also need to identify any academic adjustments they may need as a result of their disabilities to meet those standards and how to request those adjustments. They need to learn to be responsible for time management in order to act independently and to manage their own time with little to no supervision.

Preparatory Curriculum.
Take an appropriate preparatory curriculum. Because all our young adults will be expected to meet an institution’s essential standards; school personnel, student and the student’s support system will need to prepare them to meet those standards.
It is essential that  our young adults learn to use computers if they are to be prepared for postsecondary education to complete a multitude of tasks, from registering for classes to accessing course material and obtaining grades.
For all our young adults, good study skills and the ability to write well are critical factors of success in postsecondary education.  Our young adults are encouraged to enroll in classes that will focus on writing and study skills in their freshman year of postsecondary education.

College Preparation Commitment

Every decision we make for ourselves or with our young adult is an important one.  To assist in making an informed decision below are the key areas that will support success in the ACHIEVE program.

1.  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMITMENT TO COLLEGE PREPARATION PROGRAM    
Following reading the contents of the RCBC college preparation expectations. the student will understand in order to continue through the program all course requirements will need to be met with a minimum of a 70% in each class. The student will have access to meet with the teacher to arrange for extra support as needed. 

2.  COMMITMENT TO REGULAR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE TO TRANSITION AND RCBC
The student must agree and understand that regular attendance is paramount to the success of the preparation program and a requirement for the RCBC program. Poor attendance to Transition may directly affect eligibility to our RCBC program.

3.  COMMITMENT TO TRANSPORTATION ON NON BCSSSD SCHOOL DAYS
When my child is enrolled in the RCBC program, I am committed to providing or arranging timely transportation to and from my child’s classes at the RCBC  Mt. Laurel/Mt. Holly Campus on days BCSSSD school is closed

4.  PERSONAL LAPTOP/ELECTRONIC DEVICE AGREEMENT

The student shall agree with the following guidelines for personal laptop/electronic device use:

1.  Student is responsible for the laptop/electronic device at all times.

2.  The laptop/electronic device is to be used only by the student and strictly for educational purposes.

3.  Violations of these guidelines may result in the student losing the privilege of bringing the laptop/electronic device to school.

5.  USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Students will continue to have access to computers at the Transition Campus during school hours.  The student will  understand the terms and conditions of the Use of Technology Policy #2360, summarized in the Parent/Student handbook and available in full at School Website  Any violation of such may result in revocation of a student’s internet access or computer privileges.  Such violations may result in disciplinary actions and law enforcement agencies may be involved.
The student will need access to technology at home or in a community location such as a public library and must have access to such to complete RCBC preparation program assignments and RCBC course requirements.
BCSSSD has created a lending agreement for the use of Chromebooks for our young adults when enrolled in the ACHIEVE program.  If interested, the link is available by clicking Technology Equipment/Lending Form.
For your convenience, the ACHIEVE College preparation Acknowledgement form link is available by clicking College Preparation Acknowledgement Form- ACHIEVE.  Any Questions, please reach out to Mary Jean Kneringer, Principal at (609) 261-5600 ext. 3100

ACHIEVE At A Glance

The college preparation program was established in three phases to prepare our young adults for success at college. Below are the roles of the district, students, and parents to support a successful experience in preparing our students for RCBC.