PA Transition Tidbits

Under IDEA (2004), the IEP team must demonstrate that transition services include courses of study that will reasonably enable the student to meet his or her postsecondary goal(s). So, what is a course of study?

Course of study is a multi-year description of coursework to achieve the student’s desired post-school goals from the student’s current to anticipated exit year (Storms, O’Leary, & Williams, 2000).

Essential Elements (adopted from Next Steps New Hampshire)

• The Courses of Study is a multi-year description of coursework from the student’s current to anticipated exit year that is designed to help achieve the student’s desired post-school goal(s).
• The Courses of Study must align with the postsecondary goals.
• Courses of Study must be reviewed annually to ensure courses were passed, the student did not drop a course, or to note if the student was not given access to a course.
• Review the Courses of Study to ensure it:
  • Reflects an educational program and plan that specifies all courses and educational experiences from the first IEP to be in effect when the student turns 14, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team.
  • Reflects a plan that will help the student achieve his or her desired measurable postsecondary goals and make a successful transition to post-school adult life.
  • Reflects multiple years of specific classes and educational experiences, not just one year.
• Courses of Study: List specific courses by title, as they would appear in a program of studies/on a transcript, for each year. Include core courses required for graduation as well as electives, internships, and any other credit-bearing opportunities that directly support the student’s postsecondary goals.

The attached review completed by Taylor et al. (2021), provides a summary of current findings on the benefits, extending beyond just employment, of Competitive Integrated Employment.

Big Takeaways

There is a strong positive relationship between Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities obtaining CIE and increases in:

• Self-determination
• Self-management
• Overall personal independence
• Community integration

CIE for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities results in higher wages and lower service cost when compared to participation in sheltered settings.

Information in this publication can be used by all individuals who are preparing for continuing education and/or entrance into the workforce. Examples of the useful information that are found in this guide include career outlook highlights, an interest assessment tool, tips for marketing yourself, sources of financial aid, and contact information for many Commonwealth services, including PA CareerLink® locations and select state agencies. Access the 26th edition of the Career Guide Online!

The Summer Academy is a two-week program for high school students who are deaf or hard of hearing and preparing for entry into post-secondary education leading to competitive integrated employment

To learn more and for information to register, go to MY ODP Online!

By Sydney Blodgett, MPA | March 2022

Big Takeaways

The purpose of this article is to explore the benefits of apprenticeships as a viable method of increasing employment rates for youth and young adults with disabilities. This can be done by:

1. Promoting and expanding inclusive apprenticeships

2. Utilizing incentives

3. Increasing collaboration

4. Evaluating participation of youth and young adults with disabilities in apprenticeship programs

5. Providing supports and services

6. State agencies acting as a model employer

See PDF Below

Check out the NEWS RELEASE HERE!

Keep your Eye on the Future!

Are you a teen who’s interested in science? Enter the NEI Eye on the Future video contest! They want to hear about what the next generation of scientists (that’s you!) is studying — and how you want to make an impact. You can submit on your own or team up with a group of friends.

NEI will pick the top 3 videos, and the winners will get cash prizes — plus the opportunity to visit the National Institutes of Health for a day!

Submissions due by 4/8/2022.

To learn more, visit the contest page!

The Institute on Disabilities and REACH Lab of the College of Public Health at Temple University are working on a study relating to peer support and youth and young adults with IDD as they transition from high school to adult life.

Including people with IDD, and their families and caregivers, in secondary transition research can produce better results. Funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), "Peer Support and Research Engagement for Transition Age Youth and Young Adults with IDD” will identify opportunities and strategies for including youth with IDD in research through peer support, that is, support for youth with IDD by youth with IDD.

Participants will receive $50 for sharing their time and knowledge. They are looking to facilitate focus groups with youth with IDD, people with peer support experience, families, and providers. The focus groups will be virtual.

Those interested can reach out to k.eva.weiss@temple.edu to register or with questions.

Interested in trying the Environment & Personality Intuitive Card Sort out for free with 50 individuals? Use this link see if you are eligible to participate. This product is currently used in special education programs in selected schools in the US and at Connecticut's Department of Aging and Disability Services.

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATORS!!

Researchers from the University of Connecticut are recruiting high school partners to field-test the College and Career Readiness for Transition (CCR4T) survey. The study is funded by the Institute of Educational Sciences.

WHAT IS CCR4T?

The CCR4T is an online survey that measures student engagement and perceptions of college and career readiness. As part of the study, each student will receive scores in five domains of academic engagement, process oriented skills, interpersonal engagement, ownership of learning, and transition competencies. The study is open to students in grades 9-12. We are specifically recruiting youth with disabilities and can work with you to determine an appropriate sample.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Partners that participate will receive free data reports and are eligible for a stipend ranging between $1,000-$5,000 based on the number of students participating. Click this link for detailed information on participation requirements, including a Data Use Agreement.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Study videos and other resources can be found on the project website.

Please contact Allison Lombardi, PhD, principal investigator, at allison.lombardi@uconn.edu for additional information or to become a partner.

Interested in learning about how other educators are using Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC)?

The 6th Annual CtLC Showcase will be held 4/12-13. The Showcase will offer two ways to participate – an in-person conference and a virtual track. The in-person conference will be held at the Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center and a virtual track will be for those who would like to participate in a limited selection of interactive virtual sessions.

Showcase 2022 Education Breakout Sessions:

Cross-System Collaboration to Supports Students

Across the Lifespan

In St. Louis, MO, a cross-system collaboration has formed with stakeholders representing school districts, universities, and direct service providers working together to support good lives for people with disabilities. Join this session to hear more.

Panel Presentation includes:
UMSL Succeed Program, St. Louis Arc

Transitioning to the Good Life: Exploring and Planning for Employment

Join this hands-on session, and practice using a workbook integrating CtLC to explore how employment is part of the good life, and what it will take to get there.

Presented by:
Maya Cox, PCG

CtLC Innovation in Action: Education

Join your peers in this interactive breakout session focusing on to use the CtLC framework and tools in school settings, including integrating into IEPs, developing curriculum, supporting transition, and planning for post-secondary education.

Facilitated by:
CtLC Coaches and Ambassadors

Visit Charting the LifeCourse Nexus to learn more!

CALLING ALL YOUTH!!!

Join the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) for fun and games at 7:00 p.m. on:

Thursday, May 12, 2022

and/or

Thursday, July 14, 2022

To join the hangouts, click here!

PEAL's 21 and Able Project is hosting several parent virtual meetings and drop-in sessions in the coming months (starting March 15th!) to support empowering parents to empower their youth/young adults in transition! We have attached the flyer and the link that will lead you to the registration. 21 and Able, Powered by United Way Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

ASERT and PAAutism.org are hosting virtual panel discussions in April!

4/4 - Self-Advocate Panel

4/11 - Families Panel

4/18 - Educators Panel

All events run from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Register Here

Keep an eye on the PaTTAN Website for information about registration!

Don't forget to check the events calendar to stay up to date on all of the great events happening in PA and nationally related to secondary transition!

Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) Townhalls

DCDT wants to connect, engage, and provide support to our community. That is why we are offering a series of DCDT Townhall discussions, which are free to all members! We hope to connect with you on the second Tuesday of each month at 3pm EST.

• April 12, 2022 - Early Career
• May 10, 2022 - Publications
• June 14, 2022 - Research

Visit the DCDT website to learn more.

NOTE: These townhalls are for MEMBERS only. To learn more about how to join, visit the DCDT website.

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides information, tools, and supports to assist multiple stakeholders to provide effective services and instruction for students and out-of-school youth with disabilities.

Check out their Training Resource Library.

If you're new to transition, be sure to check out Transition 101!

Did you know that there are 29 Intermediate Units across the state of Pennsylvania? Each IU has training and consultation (TAC) staff dedicated to secondary transition. The Transition TAC across the state do AMAZING work at the local level to help local education agencies improve transition practices for students with disabilities. Each month we will feature TAC across the statewide system!

INTERMEDIATE UNIT 1 (IU1): Washington, Greene, and Fayette Counties

Chris Bokulich

With over 8 years of transition experience, Chris proudly serves Washington, Greene, and Fayette counties. Chris is certified in the Discovery Process

Get in Touch with Name:

Email: chris.bokulich@iu1.org

Phone: 724-938-3241 ext. 716

Website

Transition Councils of Southwestern Pennsylvania

INTERMEDIATE UNIT 2 (IU2): Pittsburgh Public Schools

Crystal Evans

Crystal brings over 14 years of transition TAC experience to the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Prior to being employed at Pittsburgh Public, she worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for Pittsburgh Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. She works on trainings and technical assistance specific to transition compliance, transition outcomes, and transition programming.

Get in Touch with Crystal:

Email:cevans1@pghschools.org

Phone: 412-529-3143

Website

LINCOLN INTERMEDIATE UNIT 12 (LIU12): Adams, Franklin, and York Counties

Melinda Krebs

Melinda has been serving in the role of transition TAC since 2012, helping to create a continuum of Career Development Opportunities and Independent Living Skills training to assist in preparing students with disabilities in transitioning to a productive and meaningful adult life. IU12 also offers a variety of transition supports and resources for families and schools.

Get in Touch with Melinda:

Email: makrebs@iu12.org

Phone: (717) 624-6555

Website

Transition Resource Directory

Melissa Ann Pero

New to the transition initiative, but not to training and technical assistance, Melissa Ann brings a general education perspective to the team! She's excited to be trained as a trainer in Transition Discoveries and has embraced all things transition!

Get in Touch with Melinda:

Email: mapero@iu12.org

Phone: 717-624-4616

Twitter: @melannpero

Website

Transition Resource Directory

COLONIAL INTERMEDIATE UNIT 20 (CIU20): COUNTIES

Serving 13 school districts and 3 career and technical centers in Northampton, Monroe, and Pike Counties, CIU20 provides direct and indirect services to 79,000 public school children; 9,000 non-public school children; and 7,000 professional staff.

Jennifer Jones-Bauer

Jennifer brings over 17 years of experience with training and consultation around secondary transition. Her efforts focus extensively in transition compliance. She is also a trainer for Transition Discoveries.

Get in Touch with Jennifer:

Email: jjonesbaur@ciu20.org

Phone: 610-515-6456

CIU20 Website

Courtney Fenner

New to the transition initiative, Courtney brings 6 years of training and consultation experience in the area of inclusive practices. She has collaborated on professional development around Secondary Transition for IEP writing and supports Pathways to Graduation in the area of SIM credentialing.

Get in Touch with Courtney:

Email: cfenner@ciu20.org

Phone: 610-515-6456

CIU20 Website

Bianca McGrath

Also new to the transition initiative, Bianca brings 1.5 years of training and consultation experience in the area of inclusive practices. She supports Pathways to Graduation in the area of Transition and is a trainer for Transition Discoveries.

Get in Touch with Courtney:

Email: bmcgrath@ciu20.org

Phone: 610-515-6456

CIU20 Website

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a group of various stakeholders from across Pennsylvania who work collaboratively to ensure appropriate transition outcomes for Pennsylvania youth and young adults.

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a state leadership team consisting of representative from: the State Departments of Education, Health, Labor and Industry, and Human Services; Various Serving Agencies, Young Adults, Parent Organizations, Advocates, Higher Education, and Employers.

The shared vision and common goals of the Pennsylvania Community on Transition is achieved when all PA youth and young adults with disabilities:

• Successfully transition to the role of productive and participating adult citizens
• Are empowered to recognize their talents, strengths, and voice
• Have equal access to resources that will promote their full participation in the communities of their choice.

Email: pasecondarytransition@gmail.com
Website: https://www.pasecondarytransition.com/
Phone: 4128266878
Twitter: @hmangiskuntz