Expanding the Circle: Respecting the Past, Preparing for the future was developed in 2002 as part of a federal grant project at the University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration. It is a transition curriculum designed specifically for American Indian youth, and was created after summer and school year transition activities for Ojibwe and Dakota youth. The curriculum incorporates cultural …
Plan
Planning is the next element of the Model of Self-Determination, and is something that educators do well! Learning to plan by taking small steps is critical for students. Advanced planning and preparation to take action helps students achieve what they want. It’s also very important that students have multiple opportunities to practice these skills with support and guidance. Once they …
Model of Self-Determination
If a student floated in a life jacket for 12 years, would he/she be expected to swim if the jacket were suddenly removed? Expecting students to be able to plan their futures without involving them in transition planning or developing their self-determination skills is like removing a life jacket without teaching someone to swim. If we haven’t properly prepared students …
Why Focus on Self-Determination?
Pause and Reflect Have you ever asked students questions about what they want for their futures, and they respond with, “I don’t know”?Students must know who they are, what they want for their futures, and what accommodations they need. Giving students self-determination skills and practice while they are in middle and high school helps them in the following ways: Helps …
Assessment Selection
Individualize the types of assessments you give to each student, ensuring they are responsive to the student’s response strengths and support needs.Upon inclusion of the student and family, transition assessment plans will better inform the unique aspects of the student. Students and families can influence the process through confirming that the activities meet the student’s and family’s vision of the …
Assessment Plan
Developing an assessment plan helps you identify which assessments to use for each student. Eight guiding statements can help you develop a plan for each of your students. Click on each picture to view examples for each statement.1. Assessment methods must be customized to specific types of information needed for upcoming decisions.James needs more information about specific job skills, career …
Transition Assessment Process
The Transition Assessment Process:Guiding Questions > Assessment Plan > Assessment Selection > Using DataAssessment can be conceptualized as a series of procedures that includes developing questions, collecting information, and making decisions. Transition assessment is not limited to employment, postsecondary education and independent living. Planning and implementing effective transition services requires information about many student domain areas, such as: health and …
Session 1 Summary
Transition assessment is now a part of IDEA requirements for transition planning and IEP development, targeting critical areas of adult life and encompassing a variety of approaches. Transition assessments should be used for: (a) identifying students’ interests and preferences, (b) determining post-school goals and outcomes, (c) developing relevant learning experiences (instruction) and transition service needs, (d) identifying supports (linkages) needed …
One School’s Process
School Case Study East Ridge High School has a transition assessment process for all students with disabilities. In ninth grade, all students (with and without disabilities) are required to take Explorations – a course about adjusting to high school and thinking about the future. Throughout the course, guest speakers talk about postsecondary options, including college and local employment. Students also …
Self-Determination, Transition Assessment
The ultimate goal for transition assessment is to help students and families develop a strengths-based picture of themselves and their future. Transition assessment success depends upon building a positive profile. Students must foster self-determination and self-discovery, leading to the self-knowledge that will better inform student transition planning and decision-making. Transition assessments can and should assist students in making informed choices. …