In 2043 Cedar Hall is one of the more innovative Learning Service programs. The VITAL (Vocational Individualized Training and Learning) program assists high school special education students in the transition from high school to a vocational/technical major at Kirkwood. While students are enrolled in VITAL, they officially remain secondary students but take regular Kirkwood courses in their vocational major.
To assist students in their required Kirkwood courses, VITAL staff provides individualized accommodations, instruction/tutoring, and counseling. The VITAL program is sponsored by Grant Wood Area Education Agency, Kirkwood Community College and local school districts. For more information contact the VITAL staff at 319-398-5448, 319-398-4932, 319-398-5669, 319-398-5667or 1-800-332-2055 ext. 5574.
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Who is Eligible for VITAL?
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Students referred to VITAL must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a high school special education program.
- Have vocational training goals and objectives in their current IEP.
- Have completed all academic requirements but still have unmet vocational training goals.
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When Should Students be Referred to VITAL?
| During early high school, the VITAL program should be discussed as an option for special education students who desire post-secondary vocational training. By the FIRST semester of the senior year, those students who demonstrate the qualities to succeed in the VITAL program should be referred by the local school district s IEP team. |
What are the Steps in the Enrollment Process?
- The local school s IEP team refers the student to the VITAL program, and VITAL sends the student an application packet.
- The student applies for admission to Kirkwood and VITAL.
- The student takes the COMPASS or ACT placement test.
- The student is interviewed by a Kirkwood instructor from the selected program (not all programs require this interview).
- The student is interviewed by the the VITAL staff.
- To participate in VITAL, Kirkwood Community College must accept the student into the specific vocational major.
- For those students being considered for VITAL, the local school hosts a staff meeting, which includes the IEP team, a VITAL staff member, the student, and at least one parent or guardian. A new IEP is developed detailing the vocational training goals.
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What Do Successful VITAL Students Need?
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Successful VITAL students need to demonstrate the following characteristics:
- Realistic vocational choice and a likelihood of success
- Positive attitude, motivation, and commitment to success
- Independence, yet willingness to ask for help when needed
- Social and vocational maturity
- Acceptable high school attendance and grades
- Completion of all high school academic requirements
- Experience in or exposure to chosen vocational area
- Recommendations from the IEP team
What Does VITAL Provide for the Student? Each VITAL student receives individualized support, such as tutoring, testing accommodations, tape-recorded textbooks, assistance with writing assignments, study skills instruction, progress follow-up with instructors, or note taking accommodations. Students also learn to use campus and community services, to develop self-reliance, and to become successful college students.
What Vocational Programs are Available for VITAL? VITAL students may select programs in Agricultural Technologies, Business, Industrial Technologies, Health Sciences or Career Option programs. For more information on Kirkwood Vocational majors and which may be most appropriate for specific students, contact the VITAL staff at 1-800-332-2055 ext. 5574, 319-398-5448, 319-398-4932, 319-398-5669, or 319-398-5667. |
