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Research has shown that students identified as needing special education services are more vulnerable than their general education peers to have poorer outcomes after high school. NSA has partnered with families, home districts, local colleges, and community businesses, to provide a wide variety of student opportunities, all intended to support successful transitions to life after high school. By helping students develop transition plans based on their interests and desires, their time in school can gain greater purpose and meaning. Some of the transition-related services are described below.
Work Training Programs:
Students can gain workplace skills, earn credit and receive wages for a variety of on-campus and off-campus jobs. NSA has developed partnerships with over 40 community businesses to provide a wide variety of work opportunities including automotive mechanics, culinary arts, office support, ecological preservation, child care, and retail sales. Job Coaching is available for students who require more support on the job site. Our Transition Department also offers support in finding competitive community-based employment for students with the skills to work independently but who are struggling to secure a job. Staff will support students in learning how to look for openings, fill out applications, and interview successfully.
Job Shadowing:
Students have the opportunity to gather information on a wide variety of career possibilities before deciding where they want to focus their attention. Job shadows involve visits to a variety of work places during which time our students observe and ask questions of individual workers. Activities prior to and following the job shadow experience are designed to help students connect their experience to their course work and relate the visits directly to career pathways, related skill requirements, and postsecondary educational options.Career Speakers:
NSA frequently invites speakers from a variety of careers to speak about their jobs so students can be exposed to the many possibilities that could await them after high school.Connections to Post-Secondary Education:
North Shore Academy provides counseling for students who are interested in post secondary education. Students can get help with applications to schools, financial aid and attend college visits. NSA encourages students to consider attending other learning opportunities in the community when they are ready. For example, students may attend classes at a community college while still enrolled at NSA.
