Considerations for Academic & Career Challenges

It is important for parents to discuss the curriculum and scheduling plans for their child before the child returns to school. Although teens may attend school for fewer hours in the day, it is important that their class placement allows the core subject areas such as reading, math, science, and social studies be taught during their time at school. This makes sure that the student is still learning the necessary content for their grade level. For teenagers, it is also important to make sure that the student has the required credits for high school graduation.

Resources

Learn about how to help a child balance their school work and hospital stays through planning their absences and addressing feelings of missing out that a child may have.

Many parents have concerns about whether or not their child should take district and state assessments. Although these tests are helpful in determining what skills a student has mastered, parents do not want to put any worry or stress on their child. Parents and teachers should discuss which of these options is best for the student.

Parents of students in highschool should be careful to monitor the courses their child is taking to make sure that they have the required credits needed for their graduation to receive their diploma. A student’s attendance and class scheduling will be impacted by their cancer diagnosis and could affect their plans to enroll in a 4-year public college or university following graduation. Parents should communicate with their child’s school guidance counselor frequently to discuss all aspects of their child’s education and class enrollment.

The South Carolina Board of Education (SBE) high school courses and requirements list the requirements for high school students in South Carolina to graduate with a high school diploma.

It can be helpful to have discussions about SAT and ACT testing with teenagers since these tests may be required for admission and scholarship eligibility at some colleges and universities. Plans can be made to take these assessments either at a testing center or at school.

Accommodations can be obtained for students taking the SAT or ACT when needed. The school guidance counselor or homeschool parent can request accommodations on the student's behalf and will be required to provide documentation of the need. This process is typically done by submitting a copy of the student's documented neuropsychological and educational psychological testing report which assesses the student’s academic ability and learning strengths.

Planning the transition to college can be overwhelming for students and parents. Discussing college or vocational planning with the student can help them adjust to life after high school.

Teenagers may need support setting goals and planning their next steps after their cancer diagnosis. Goal setting can help to keep them motivated, focused, and empowered throughout their cancer journey, positively shaping their career ambitions.

• Research careers in depth
• Practice daily affirmations
• Write down goals
• Focus on self-care
• Discuss paths with school counselors and parents
• Take career assessment tests
• Identify life goals
• Craft a vision board
• Gain work experience
• Seek volunteer experience
• Make a weekly planner
• Set small daily actions

Resources

View information about How to Help Your Teen Explore Possible Careers.

Use this to help a teenager with cancer set new goals after cancer that can be achieved each day.

Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and late effects can disrupt the social maturation of teenagers and young adults which affects the social and emotional views that guide them throughout their lives. These disruptions can impact their life-long health and well-being. Addressing these issues and finding ways to help pediatric cancer patients and survivors receive support can help them face these challenges if they arise.

Social Issues and Milestones for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer:

• Early Teenage Years
• Interrupted social development and social group identification
• Interrupted high school achievement and graduation
• Delayed transition to living independently from parents


• Emerging Adulthood
• Delays or gaps in higher education
• Interruptions in work/employment
• Barriers to adequate health insurance coverage
• Delayed achievement or maintenance of financial independence from parents


• Young Adulthood
• Difficulty developing and/or maintaining intimate partner/spouse relationships
• Problems with sexual function
• Fertility problems that may impact decisions regarding parenthood
• Difficulty achieving/maintaining financial independence from parents
• Geographic distance from family

Resources

Learn how to help a student with cancer stay connected with their teachers, friends, and classmates during cancer treatment.

Consider sharing this information with a teen to help them learn how to manage school during and after cancer.

Find key steps to planning a child’s return to school after treatment, and addressing concerns a student may have with educators.

Learn about what school personnel and parents can do to help students maintain academic and social development when they return to school and throughout their treatment and life at home.