ACT Fee Waiver
Contact: Your high school guidance counselor
ACT fee waivers are available to 11th- and 12th-grade students who are in foster care, are a ward of the state, homeless or whose family receives public assistance. Students who test with an ACT fee waiver can also request a Waiver or Deferral of College Admission Applications Fee.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA supports the educational stability of foster youth by focusing on identification, enrollment, transfer of records and transportation. This includes a checklist for schools, a flowchart that maps out school and child welfare responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Foster Care Liaison.
To contact the Foster Care Liaison in your area:
- Go to the OEDS Directory
- Search the school district name and then click on the district.
- Once on the district’s page, select “personnel” from the top search bar.
- In “Roles Available to this Organization,” search: Foster Care Contact – ESSA.
For additional questions, please reach out to Thomas Capretta, (614) 752-1615, fostercare@education.ohio.com
Extracurricular activities support academic achievement, positive behavior, and identity development. They provide foster youth with a sense of normalcy and belonging. They reduce the likelihood that youth will be tempted to drop out of school. They help increase a young person’s circle of support as they develop trust with their peers and caring adults.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
An IEP is a working document that outlines a young person’s educational strengths, weaknesses, learning goals, and support services. It is required that these services are provided in the students least restrictive environment to help them make educational progress. The first step in qualifying for an IEP is a comprehensive evaluation to see if the child has a disability and if the disability has an adverse effect on their educational progress.
Step 1: Talking with the young person’s teacher to see if they can be of help.
Step 2: Contacting the principal (sample letter below from Cap4kids.org).
“Dear Principal,
(Youth’s name), is in the in (__) grade in (name of teacher)’s class at (name of school). I am writing to formally request that (youth’s name) be evaluated for special education services as outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
As you may know, (youth’s name) has been struggling with (provide examples). I have spoken with (name of teacher) about these concerns and the following things have been tried to help. (Describe any interventions that were tried to support the student in the classroom).
I believe it is critical for (youth’s name) to be evaluated. I understand that you will send an evaluation plan explaining the tests that will be given. I would also appreciate any other information you have regarding the evaluation process.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.”
SAT Fee Waiver
Contact: College Board’s Midwestern Regional Office, (866) 392-4086
SAT fee waivers are available to 11th- and 12th-grade students who are in foster care, are a ward of the state, homeless or whose family receives public assistance.
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