by Kirsten Strohmenger
When I was in high school, I had a unique opportunity to help a student during her transition from school to a job after graduation. She created art, almost like finger painting but with a Koosh ball. I helped in creating an event to help her sell her artwork. She had to have a job once she left school and her art was her source of income. Ever since helping her paint and sell her work I have been interested in how students in special education transition to life after school.
After reading Chapters 1 and 2 this past week I learned a bit more about Individual Education Programs and Individual Transition Plans. It clarified some of my questions and wonders on what special education can offer students with disabilities. I was really wondering on how the transition plans worked so I looked up an article (link below) that is a mix between a toolkit, stories, and information on ITPs. It focuses on how interconnected families, teachers, counselors, and the student are. The student is the main focus, the transition plan is all for the success and happiness of the student. They focus on measurable goals and things to do in order to transition easily. The transition process is extremely different for every student because it is based on each individuals needs, goals, and support. Plans can include goals for employment, living situations and functions, community skills, and whether or not the individual will need services to help them after graduation. The article may be lengthy, but it answered many questions I had on how students transition to post-secondary life.
After reading Chapters 1 and 2 this past week I learned a bit more about Individual Education Programs and Individual Transition Plans. It clarified some of my questions and wonders on what special education can offer students with disabilities. I was really wondering on how the transition plans worked so I looked up an article (link below) that is a mix between a toolkit, stories, and information on ITPs. It focuses on how interconnected families, teachers, counselors, and the student are. The student is the main focus, the transition plan is all for the success and happiness of the student. They focus on measurable goals and things to do in order to transition easily. The transition process is extremely different for every student because it is based on each individuals needs, goals, and support. Plans can include goals for employment, living situations and functions, community skills, and whether or not the individual will need services to help them after graduation. The article may be lengthy, but it answered many questions I had on how students transition to post-secondary life.