Transition Tribune Back to School

I hope this message finds you energized and ready for another impactful year! As we embark on this journey together, I want to take a moment to introduce myself. I'm Tracy Johnston, Specialist for Special Education Transition Services at ESC Region 7. My passion is helping students navigate their paths to successful futures, and I'm excited to work alongside you and your district to improve student outcomes.

Here's to a productive and rewarding year!

Look HERE for ways in which I can support your LEA.

1. Federal requirements for transition services now indicate that all previous requirements to be completed by age 16, must now be in effect when the student turns 14 years of age. This includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education , employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills; and the transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the student in reaching the postsecondary goals.

2. The transition IEP goals are intended to comply with the requirements in TEC 29.011(a)(6) and (8).

3. Beginning no later than the first IEP to be in effect when the student turns 18 years of age, the ARD committee must consider involvement in the student's transition and future by the student's parents and other persons, if the parent or other person:

A. is invited to participate by the student or the school district in which the student is enrolled (school invites when parent has known guardianship, power of attorney, or supported decision making agreement in place); or

B. has the student's consent to participate pursuant to a supported decision-making agreement

TEA Back to School Updates

Changes to Chapter 89, Subchapter AA, at adoption

The Transition and Employment Designee (TED) Required Training is available for registration in TEALearn. TEDs who completed the required training during the 21-22 or 22-23 school years are not required to retake the online course. Please submit assurance of prior training completion HERE.

*All LEAs, including school districts and open-enrollment charter schools (even charters that are only K-8) must identify a TED and have them complete the training requirement by August 31, 2024.

Will you have a new Transition and Employment Designee (TED) for the 24-25 school year? Please make sure they are identified as the TED within AskTED by August 31, 2024. See directions to identify your TED in AskTED, HERE.

*GREAT IDEA A new TED or any staff that completes transition IEP requirements or teaches special education students at the secondary level would benefit from joining the Transition and VAC listserv HERE. By joining this listserv, staff will receive regular transition updates and resources. Also, have staff members bookmark the ESC REGION 7 TRANSITION GOOGLE SITE: ALL PURPOSE RESOURCE for all things transition.

Texas SPED Support offers technical assistance and support needs for the state. This site houses special education resources and learning opportunities from experts in the field.

*Great Idea - Create an account and bookmark transition documents of interest.

I would like to offer my support to those seeking transition-specific training for themselves or their staff before the 24-25, and 25-26 Cycles. Transition is currently the second most common area of non-compliance in our state. While we have seen significant improvements in our region, there is still much work to be done.

I am committed to making these cohorts a priority. However, my calendar quickly fills up with district service requests, so I am offering my time to you first. If you are interested in in-person training and support, please complete this brief Google Form to outline your needs and possible dates of availability.

The Notice of Transfer of Rights Model Form is a great resource regarding Guardianship, Alternatives to Guardianship, and the Supported Decision Making Agreement.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

August 29, 2024 - Register HERE A.M.

August 29, 2024 - Register HERE P.M.

October 10, 2024 - Register HERE A.M.

October 10, 2024 - Register HERE P.M.

December 4, 2024 - Register HERE A.M.

December 4, 2024 - Register HERE P.M.

February 6, 2025 - Register HERE A.M.

February 6, 2025 - Register HERE P.M.

April 9, 2025 - Register HERE A.M.

April 9, 2025 - Register HERE P.M.

A.M. SESSIONS (8:30-11:30): New Transition Employment Designees, Transition Coordinators, Secondary Diagnosticians, and Transition Specialists will receive hands-on professional development related to best practices and legal requirements for Transition. Upon completing this workshop, participants will be able to identify various assessment tools, create data-driven transition supplements and IEP goals, and develop sustainable services and programs that improve student outcomes for students of varying abilities.

*ALL SESSIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ANY DISTRICTS UNDERGOING CYCLICAL MONITORING WITHIN THE 24-25 SCHOOL YEAR (NEW OR RETURNING TRANSITION STAFF).

P.M. SESSIONS (12:30-3:30): The Transition Services workshops will provide special education professionals (new and returning) with the knowledge to implement quality transition services that are required as part of the Individual Education Plan for all students 14 years and older. The focus will be on evidence-based practices, collaboration, and networking.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

LOCATION: ESC REGION 7

Leaving a Clear Trail is an indispensable course designed to provide a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the intricate landscape of high school graduation for students of varying abilities. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the dynamic relationship between state and district requirements for graduation, explore special education options, master the art of coding courses on the Academic Achievement Record (AAR), and learn to accurately document effectively to guide and support students on their high school journey. Upon completing this course, educators will be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to pave a clear path to success for their students.

REGISTER HERE.

*Great idea - Bring your campus team with you to this training. This training is for secondary special education staff, counselors, PEIMS clerks, and CTE administrators.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

9:00 AM -3:00 PM

LOCATION: ESC REGION 7

Join me in exploring the core principles and strategies embedded in three key courses developed by the TEA Student-Centered Transition Network. Participants will gain practical guidance on incorporating them into their educational practices. From crafting meaningful Postsecondary Goals to conducting impactful Transition Assessments and developing a Coordinated Set of Activities, this training will equip TEDs, Transition Specialists, ARD Specialists, Diagnosticians, and Case Managers with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance student-centered transition planning. Follow-up coaching opportunities with the ESC Region 7 Transition Specialist for any of the three-course topics covered in this training will be available to attendees upon request.

*HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ANY DISTRICT TRANSITION STAFF UNDERGOING CYCLICAL MONITORING WITHIN THE 24-25 SCHOOL YEAR.

REGISTER HERE.

OCTOBER 25, 2024

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

LOCATION: VIRTUAL

The 18+ ESC 7 Roundtable will provide a forum for special education staff to discuss how 18+ programs and services are implemented within our region. Whether you want to learn more about the requirements for special education services beyond graduation, would like resources to support questions you have about establishing or maintaining 18+ services, or have insight into 18+ transition practices that you would like to share, this is the place to learn from and collaborate with other 18+ pioneers. We look forward to focused discussion about the challenges and best practices you are encountering in your work as a vocational professional.
Attendees will be able to participate in this webinar in their district via the Zoom link provided in the registration confirmation email.

REGISTER HERE.

See Dates and Topics HERE.

Welcome to Transition Topics Tuesdays, an engaging series of virtual, professional development meetings crafted specifically for TEDs and Special Education Vocational Staff members. Join us for each session as we delve into highly requested and relevant transition topics, providing valuable insights and fostering professional growth. Explore key areas of interest, enhance your expertise, and connect with fellow educators in this dynamic learning experience. September's Topic: Person-Centered Plans. Attendees will be able to participate in this webinar in their district via the Zoom link provided in the registration confirmation email.

#1 Coming Soon ~ Person Centered Plans ~ September 10, 2024 ~ 12:00-1:30 PM ~ Virtual

Register HERE.

Search and Register for all other Workshops HERE.