Hello everyone, now that the March 15th deadline has passed to hold spots for districts, PSAs and WISD programs, we can now open up the remainder spots to those who turn in their permission slips to Kelly or I. It will be on a first come, first basis until the bus is completely filled. This is a reminder that a chaperone(staff member) must be in attending along with students. The field trip to MCTI is on April 23rd and students and staff must bring a bagged lunch. Please see your special education director, supervisor, or principal for details regarding your district's field trip's permission slip.

Gathering comprehensive information from both students and their families is key to creating a successful transition IEP (Individualized Education Program) plan. The more perspectives and input you get, the better tailored the plan will be for the student's future goals. Using surveys, inventories, and follow-up interviews is an effective way to collect the necessary data and clarify responses.

Here are a few options for informal parent surveys/inventories you can consider:

1. Comprehensive Transition Parent Inventory

This is a commonly used inventory that provides a broad overview of a student's current skills, interests, and needs in various areas such as employment, independent living, post-secondary education, and community participation. It includes:

• A series of questions asking about the student’s skills, interests, and preferences.

• Areas to indicate strengths and weaknesses in transition-related skills.

• Follow-up questions for family members to assess how they view the student's readiness in each area.

The forms beneath can be accessed through: WISD Destiny Library

The TPI (Transition Planning Inventory):

Transition Planning Inventory 3rd ed. : Home Preferences and Interests Form

The TRS (Transition Rating Scales) Parent Forms:

TRS Parent Form 1.0

TRS Parent Form 2.0

TRS Rating 3.0 Student Form pgs. 8-9

Sample Questions:

• What skills does your child have that will help them in the workplace?

• How well does your child manage daily living tasks, like meal preparation, personal hygiene, or budgeting?

2. Family Involvement and Strengths Assessment

This survey gathers input on the family’s understanding of their child’s needs and strengths, and their involvement in their transition process. It helps assess family priorities and identify areas of concern.

Next Steps: New Hampshire: Options for Life After High School

Sample Questions:

• What are your child’s greatest strengths?

• What do you feel are the most important areas to focus on during transition?

• Are there any barriers or concerns that might affect your child’s transition to post-secondary goals?

3. Self-Determination Inventory

This is a tool that helps evaluate a student's self-determination skills, which are crucial for a successful transition. It can also give insight into the family’s perspective on how much the student advocates for themselves and makes choices about their future.

Sample Questions:

• Does your child express their desires and preferences clearly? How often do they advocate for their own needs?

• How involved is your child in making decisions about their future?

Air Self-Determination Scale: Parent Form by Oklahoma University

4. Community Participation and Independent Living Inventory

This survey helps identify a student’s abilities in community and daily living activities, which is a vital component of the transition process. It’s a good tool to assess readiness for independent living and functioning in the community.

Sample Questions:

• How independent is your child in tasks like shopping, transportation, and personal care?

• How involved is your child in community activities (e.g., clubs, volunteering, or other social events)?

Parent Transition Survey from Arkansas Transition

5. Career Interests and Employment Inventory

This survey helps gather information about the student’s career interests, abilities, and readiness for employment. It’s particularly useful in identifying suitable job opportunities and in planning for job training or internships.

Sample Questions:

• What type of job or career do you see your child pursuing after school?

• What skills or experiences does your child have that would help them succeed in this career?

From the University of Oklahoma Health Services & the U.S. Administration for Developmental Disabilities

Follow-up Interviews:

After gathering information from these inventories or surveys, follow-up interviews are essential for clarification and to dive deeper into specific areas. The interview can be structured around clarifying answers or getting more detailed information about the family’s priorities and the student’s aspirations.

Some Key Questions for the Follow-up Interview:

• Can you provide more details about how your child manages specific tasks, like transportation or budgeting?

• Are there any community services or resources that could be beneficial to your child’s transition?

• What do you think would be the biggest challenge for your child after high school?

Parent Transition Survey from Arkansas Transition

These types of surveys and inventories give both the student and their family an opportunity to share their views and concerns, helping educators gather the essential data needed for an individualized and well-rounded transition plan. The key is to make sure these tools are both accessible and tailored to the family’s needs, ensuring that they feel comfortable and empowered to provide accurate information.

• https://wisd.zoom.us/j/99008912734?pwd=9GGUDbr0jOWNkX4SRVu5n0uKsVXaLk.1
• Meeting ID: 990 0891 2734
• Passcode: 669019

Don't forget our monthly Countywide Transition Coalition Meeting for Washtenaw County Transition District Designees, WISD teachers, consultants, and service providers is held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 9am-11am at the Teaching and Learning Center.

Need some assistance writing compliant IEP and appropriate PLAAFP statements and goals? Here is a great opportunity for you to receive training on these topics.

Professional Development you can attend:

· Interactive IEP Training: How to write a compliant IEP

· Creating PLAAFPs and Measurable Goals/Objectives

START Project: Transforming Transition Together(T3)

Early Interest Form

Applications for Summer 2025 open January 2025.

https://washtenawliteracy.org/

This Tuesday’s Transition Tip is a review to some and introduction to others. It is important as special education providers/case managers that we create structured and detailed postsecondary transition plans for our students. The Washtenaw County Post-Secondary Transition Manual is a guide to assist special education staff with creating complaint post-secondary transition plans. This guide contains a table of contents to help locate information quickly. The manual also gives insight on how not only to build a complaint transition plan but a quality transition plan. It includes links, videos, and an appendix to assist. Please take the time to read and review the Washtenaw County Post-Secondary Transition Manual.

Washtenaw County Post-Secondary Transition Manual

The WISD Transition Services website has an assessment library with FREE electronic forms/materials. Check it out!

Also the WISD has a lending library of assessment and curricula resources using the WISD Destiny Library.

Submit your student/staff/program/district Transition Triumphs to Joy Taylor or Kelly Higgins for possible inclusion in future Newsletters.

*When using student photos be sure to included photo release permissions.