Wisconsin Statewide Transition Initiative: An Introduction to Transition

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Wisconsin Statewide Transition Initiative An
Introduction to Transition

• Presenters
• Jennifer Ledin
• Transition Coordinator, CESA 12 and 9
• Lori Turim
• Transition Coordinator, CESA 1
• Wisconsin Transition Conference
• February 15-16, 2007
• Stevens Point, WI

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Whats new with WSTI?

• New logo
• New website
• Transition Resource Directory (POEM)
• Transition Advisory Network
• Indicator 13 Training and Support
• Youth Development and Leadership
• Behavioral Challenges
• 2007 Transition Conference February 15 -16

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IDEA 2004

• The purpose of IDEA 2004 is to insure a Free
  Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that
  emphasizes special education and related services
  to meet a students unique needs to prepare
  him/her for postsecondary education, employment
  and independent living.
• Paula Kohler
• NSTTAC Presentation September 2006

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What is the WSTI Coordinators Role?

• A WSTI Transition Coordinator is available
  through each CESA. They provide assistance at
  the local level to promote understanding and
  implementation of IDEA transition requirements
  and best practices.

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WSTI Is All About Achieving Results
Sequence of Activities Phase 1 Identification
and Commitment from Local
Districts Phase 2 IEP Reviews Phase 3 Report
Findings, Set Target Goals/Timelines,
Brainstorm Strategies Phase 4 Implementation
and Follow Along Phase 5 Follow-up
Reviews/Report of Final Results
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WSTI Coordinator ToolsTAT, TAC and TAN

• Transition Action Team (TAT)
• School district level
• Transition Advisory Council (TAC)
• County level
• Transition Advisory Network (TAN)
• Across CESA region

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Transition Action Team (TAT)

• This group is developed during the WSTI IEP
  review process and may consist of team members
  such as
• Special Ed. and Regular Ed. staff
• Guidance counselors and school psychologists
• Social workers
• Parents
• Student
• Agency reps (if appropriate)

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WSTI Project Participation Includes

• Establishment of a Transition Action Team (TAT)
• IEP Review using Transition Requirements
  Checklist developed by Dr. Ed OLeary
• Baseline data from IEP review assists the TAT in
  setting goals for improvement
• WSTI Coordinator provides staff development in
  areas of need determined by TAT
• A second IEP review is done one year later with
  the checklist to determine areas of growth and
  need.
• Participation in WSTI is VOLUNTARY for
  districts--to date, 177 have participated.

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Transition Advisory Council (TAC)

• Team Members
• School district staff (transition)
• Agency representatives
• Parents/family members
• Youth
• TACs are currently established in 70 of 72
  counties in Wisconsin
• More info about the TACs in each county,
  including their Missions and Activities can be
  found at www.wsti.org
• Please check out TAC posters displayed in hotel
  lobby.

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Transition Advisory Network (TAN)

• Purpose
• To provide a transition networking opportunity
  to all districts within each CESA. These
  meetings allow for sharing of information
  regarding transition requirements and best
  practice information.
• Includes at least one special ed. staff member
  from each school district in the CESA
• May also include agency reps, parents, etc.
• CESA Transition Coordinator provides transition
  updates, trainings, guest presentations
• A minimum of 2 of these meetings per school year

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WSTI Website

• www.wsti.org
• Transition news and events
• County Resource Directories
• Resources for educators, parents and youth
• TAC info about their mission and activities
  throughout the school year
• Online data entry for transition coordinators

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Role of the Student

• Attend and actively participate in all IEP
  meetings, discussions and decisions
• Share with the IEP team your desired post
  secondary goals (what you want to do after
  completing school education, training,
  employment, independent living)
• Describe areas in which help or assistance is
• needed
• Update the IEP team on how well you are doing in
  
• classes, work and community experiences
• Learn about your disability, know your strengths
  and learn how to advocate for the accommodations,
  modifications and supports that you need in order
  to succeed during school and in the community.

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Role of the Parent/Family

• Support your childs active participation in
  his/her IEP meeting.
• Visit with your child about his/her post
  secondary goals and dreams.
• Help your child develop a plan for the future
  including an education plan that matches his/her
  desired post secondary goals.
• Learn about community agencies, supports,
  services and programs that can help your child
  when he/she completes school.
• Take responsibility for some of the
  activities/strategies in the transition plan.
• Help your child learn about and understand
  his/her disability and strengths.
• Help your child learn how to self-advocate so
  he/she receives the necessary accommodations,
  supports and services.

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Role of the School

• Invite the student, parent and appropriate
  agency(ies) to the IEP meeting.
• Assist the student and family in identifying
  post secondary goals and developing transition
  services.
• Provide the skills, knowledge and experiences
  necessary to prepare students for achieving
  their desired post secondary goals.
• Become familiar with community, regional and
  state post school services, supports, and
  programs that work with and assist persons with
  disabilities and their requirements.
• Be responsible for some of the
  activities/strategies in the students transition
  plan.
• Provide self advocacy and self determination
  training.
• Assist the student in taking an active role in
  IEP planning, discussion and decision making.

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2006-07 State Transition Contacts