Transition

The **process** of assisting students as they prepare to exit high school is one that requires the involvement of lots of people: the student, his or her parents, teachers and/or guidance counselors, and others, as needed. The **purpose** of transition planning is to provide students with the services and supports they need to make a successful move into adult life. It's important to start planning early. (By law, schools must begin transition planning the year a student enters the eighth grade or turns fourteen, whichever comes first.)
 * Transition: Getting Ready to Exit High School**

Graduation Requirements Information A three hour module can be found on the Florida Department of Education website which describes the various high school completion options available to public school students in Florida. Specific emphasis is placed on options for students with disabilities. The module also provides additional resources for those who are interested in further information. http://pdportal.florida-ese.org/ You will need to create an account. Your email address and a password are the only requirements.

More information about transition, graduation requirements and diploma options can be found.

__The following are some great resources to help students and their families with the transition process.__ 1. **Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities A Guide for Families,** produced by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS). This is a comprehensive guide that explains the transition planning process including definitions, transition IEP components, diploma options, and information on agencies that may provide services. Families of students with disabilities in Florida may order one complimentary copy of the booklet. Request a copy from the BEESS Resource and Information Center, email: cicbiscs@fldoe.org; telephone: (850) 245-0477, or you may view the booklet online. Go to __www.fldoe.org__ and enter //Transition Planning// into the search box at the top of the page. 2. **The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability** has a varety of resources some for students, others for parents. Check out **Going to College,** a website with information about college life designed for high school students with disabilities. The site provides video clips, activities, and resources that can help students get a head start in planning for college. Check it out:G[|oing to College] 3. Other helpful transition resources:


 * **Project 10: Transition Education Network** contains many helpful resources including a link to local district resources. Go to [], select //District Resources// on the left side of the page.
 * The **Vocational Rehabilitation (**VR) //School to Work Transition Program// involves a number of activities to help students with disabilities prepare and plan for employment success after high school. Often, a representative from the Vocational Rehabilitation Program will attend a student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting during his or her junior or senior year in high school. In addition, Vocational Rehabilitation has produced two helpful resources. These include:
 * //[|A Guide for School to Work Trainsition]// and
 * //[|Checklist for Students Transition to Adult Life]//. This checklist assists students with creating a plan for a successful transition into employment as an adult.
 * Local Vocational Rehabilitation offices serving the FDLRS/Gateway area include:
 * Columbia: 1389 US Highway 90 W, Lake City, FL 32055, 386-754-1675
 * Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee: 1431 N. Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064, 386-362-5461
 * [|General Self-Help Resources] This guide is designed to assist students with disabilities who are **not** receiving special education services but are eligible to recieve reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids through a 504 Plan.
 * **[|Planning Ahead]** is a handbook for parents, family members and guardians of adults with developmental disabilities. This booklet provides information that will help identify and plan the direction and future regarding the quality of life family members' desire. Request from the Florida Developmental Council by calling 1-800-580-7801 or view it online.
 * Other agencies that provide services for students and their families preparing for transition may be found here [|Gateway Area Secondary Interagency Matrix>]