Transition Assessment: A Brief Presentation

1
Transition Assessment A Brief Presentation

• Jane Winstead, Director
• Transition Services
• Tennessee Department of Education
• Division of Special Education
• Jane.winstead_at_state.tn.us

2
What is Transition Assessment?
an ongoing process of collecting data on the
individuals needs, preferences, and interests as
they relate to the demands of current and future
working, educational, living, and personal and
social environments. Assessment data serve as the
common thread in the transition process and form
the basis for defining goals and services to be
included in the Individualized Education Program
(IEP) (DCDT and CEC definition)
3
Who must have transition assessments?

• In Tennessee students age 14 and older must have
• Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals
  based upon age appropriate transition assessments
  related to education/training, employment and
  where appropriate, independent living skills.
• (The course of study is also due at 14)

4
Where do I write transition assessment results?

• The results of age-appropriate transition
  assessments should be added with present levels
  of educational performance on the IEP.
• Use the assessment tab in EasyIEP.

5
Is transition assessment the same as
vocational/pre-vocational assessment?

• Vocational assessment is one component of
  transition assessment.
• Transition assessment is an on-going,
  individualized process.
• The transition assessment process is not a
  one-time or short-term event.

6
What if I dont have all the transition
assessments completed?

• The IEP Team will review the transition
  assessment information available at age 14. When
  additional information is needed for transition
  planning, write the name/type of assessment(s)
  into the transition services section, indicate
  the anticipated date range and who will be
  responsible for administering the test or
  gathering the information.

7
What is a functional vocational evaluation?

• Assesses interests, aptitudes, and preparation
  opportunities for employment, training/education,
  and independent living.
• Includes person-centered planning to bring in
  family and friends who know the student.
• Uses real world occupation and training
  opportunities/settings.
• Brings interests and aptitudes together through
  experiences, information gathering, and career
  awareness.

8
What are some examples of transition assessment?

• First, consider existing data in the student
  file, such as academic data, observations,
  interviews, previous testing, KUDER, EXPLORE, and
  PLAN tests.
• Next, decide what additional information the IEP
  Team needs for planning, in relationship to the
  measurable postsecondary goals, and how best to
  collect this information.

9
Examples of Transition Assessment
Instruments/Methods/Approaches

• KUDER EXPLORE or PLAN
• Parent interviews
• Student interviews
• Academic data, test scores, GPA, achievement
  scores, etc.
• Learning Styles Inventory
• Work experiences or vocational training
• Generic Work Habits Data Sheet

10
Examples of Transition Assessment
Instruments/Methods/Approaches

• Self Determination Checklist
• Interest Surveys
• Observation checklists
• Vocational checklists/rating scales
• Healthcare needs assessment
• Physical strengths and limitations
• Communication skills

11
Examples of Transition Assessment
Instruments/Methods/Approaches

• Home School Inventory
• Independent living skills
• Situational Assessments
• Employability skills assessment
• Our contract project, Partnerships for
  Edexcellence, has a Transition Assessment
  Toolkit at this site
• http//web.utk.edu/edex/resources/transition.h
  tm

12
REFERENCES

• Clark, G. M. (1996). Transition planning
  assessment for secondary-
• level students with learning disabilities.
  Journal of Learning
• Disabilities, 29, 79-92.
• Kortering, L., Sitlington, P. Braziel, P.
  (2004). The use of vocational assessment and
  planning as a strategic intervention to help keep
  youths with emotional or behavioral disorders in
  school. In Transition of Students with Emotional
  or Behavior Disorders Current approaches for
  positive outcomes. (Ed. Doug Cheney). Arlington,
  VA Council for Children with Behavior Disorders
  and Division on Career Development and
  Transition.
• Sitlington, P. L., Neubert, D. A., LeConte, P.
  J. (1997). Transition assessment The position of
  the Division on Career Development and
  Transition. Career Development for Exceptional
  Individuals, 20, 69-79.

13
Questions?

• Contact Jane Winstead, Director of Transition
  Services at
• Jane.winstead_at_state.tn.us