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    Transition Services

     

    Transition planning is a process that should help ensure student happiness, success, and satisfaction after high school and onto further work, future education and adulthood.

    Transition services must begin by the first IEP in effect when the student turns 14 years old.  Transition planning should begin before the student is 14 years old.  All students with disabilities should receive transition planning as part of their ARDC meeting.  The student and his or her IEP team create a vision for the future, and then each year specific goals and services are identified to work  toward that vision.

    Transition planning at age 14 is critical because of high school diploma options and courses of study.  Discussions need to occur in  middle school prior to 9th grade to enable the student to access high school courses needed for graduation.  When the ARDC team  members discuss graduation options, they should refer to the graduation requirements for students with disabilities as outlined in the  provisions of Texas Administration Code (TAC) 89.1070, as well as Texas assessment requirements.

    Transition is a process that builds on itself each year, and goals evolve and change as the student gets older  and gains new insights.

    Transition planning should focus on these key components:
      •     Assessment specific to transition preferences, needs, strengths  and interests;
      •     Instruction;
      •     Related services;
      •     Community experiences;
      •     Employment ; and, if needed,
      •     Vocational evaluation;
      •     Daily living skills; and
      •     Connecting with community agencies

     Who’s involved in transition planning?

     

      •    Students
      •     Family
      •     Special Education Teachers 
      •     General Education Teachers
      •     School Administrators
      •   Other appropriate school staff such as counselors, or transition specialists
      •   Agency representative (if written permission is obtained by family or adult student)
      •   Any person you feel knows the educational needs of your child 

     

                              Birdville ISD Transition / Employment Services Designee:   Rebecca George

    By law a student must be invited to attend the Admission, Review,  and Dismissal Committee (ARDC) meeting if the purpose of the meeting will be to discuss student’s post-secondary goals and the transition services needed to achieve those goals.