Transition Tribune

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 7, 2024

TAC 89.1070

(e) A student who has reached maximum age eligibility in accordance with 89.1035 of this title without meeting the credit, curriculum, and assessment requirements specified in subsection (b) of this section is not eligible to receive a diploma but may receive a certificate of attendance as described in TEC, 28.025(f).

*Key Take-Away: The intent of this revision is NOT to deny diplomas. Districts are to RISE to have graduating students meet one of the three conditions: employment, mastery of employability skills, or access to services prior to graduation (graduation codes 54, 55, or 56).

** Before providing a Certificate of Attendance instead of a Diploma, please contact Tracy Johnston at tjohnston@esc7.net. Let's look at the information together.

TAC 89.1055

(l) Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the student turns 14 years of age, or younger if determined appropriate by the ARD committee, the IEP must include:

(1) appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills; and

(2) the transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the student in reaching the postsecondary goals.

*For 6th and 7th graders - Until July 30, 2025, TEA is just looking for the student's school schedule that aligns with the postsecondary goals (elective options being considered related to student preferences) vs. a full course of study. At this time we don't know for sure if this will change for 25-26 but for this year they will look for school schedules within cyclical monitoring.

**8th graders should discuss and include the course of study in the IEP meeting.

Per TAC 74.5, The Academic Achievement Record (AAR) / Transcript must include the following provisional requirements for every student:

(j) A student who completes the required instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) shall have completion of the CPR and use of an AED instruction clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

Per TAC 74.38 (e), Instruction provided under this section is not required to result in certification by a student in CPR or the use of an AED.

Per TAC 74.38 (f), A school district may waive the requirement for a student who due to a disability, is unable to complete the CPR and AED requirements. This determination is made by the ARD or 504 Committee.

(k) A student who completes the required instruction on proper interaction with peace officers shall have completion of the instruction clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

Per TAC 74.30(a)(2) The required instruction must be provided to each student at least once prior to graduation (no waiver).

(l) A student who completes and submits a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) or a Texas application for state financial aid (TASFA) or submits the Texas Education Agency-approved opt-out form shall have the completion of the financial aid application requirement clearly indicated on the academic achievement record.

See the Financial Aid Graduation Requirement FAQ.

*KEY TAKE-AWAYS: Instruction in CPR and the use of the AED are the only provisional requirements that can be waived. All of the above requirements must be indicated on the AAR (you would document "waived" if you waived the CPR/AED requirement on the transcript).

As required by Texas Education Code §29.0113, Texas public schools must provide information about the options available through the Texas Driving with Disability initiative to students who:

• have a health condition or disability that may impede effective communication; and

• receive special education services; or

• are covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

This information must be provided annually to each student who is 16 years of age until graduation or their 21st birthday. The information about Texas Driving with Disability must also be provided to the parents or guardians of eligible students. It may be included with any transition planning materials that the school provides.

Texas Driving with Disability - A Guide for Families English

Texas Driving with Disability - A Guide for Families Spanish

Texas Driving with Disability Website

Local education agencies (LEAs) must determine how information about Texas Driving with Disability will be disseminated and may develop additional or alternate resources.

The Roadmap to Texas Transition document identifies agencies and programs across Texas. See the Resource Descriptions at the end of the Roadmap to learn more about each local and state resource included in the lists. During transition planning at any age, the listed resources can help:

Educators

• Consider supports for students and families within the local education agency (LEA) and surrounding community
• Facilitate connection to statewide agencies
• Identify specific contact information to share with students and families

Students and Families

• identify supports needed now or in the future
• Make connections with agencies that can provide services

HHSC manages programs that help families with food, health care, safety, and disaster services including disability services, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Children’s Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).

HHSC programs that include employment services are:

- Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Related Conditions (ICF/IID)

-Medicaid Waivers:

• Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
• Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD)
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCS)
• Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP)
• STAR+Plus Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
• Texas Home Living (TxHmL)
• Youth Empowerment Services (YES)

These programs include case management and service coordination, services specifically designed to assist a person to obtain and maintain employment, and other services that can assist a person in meeting their goals.

Contact Autumn to Assist with Student and Family Connections:

Autumn Miller

Long-Term Services and Support

Texas Health -EB Outreach (STAR, S+, STAR Kids/Texas Health Steps)

903.603.8093, 903.380.2275

autumnmiller@maximus.com

Region 7 ESC and Partners Resource Network (PRN) partnered to provide a collaborative transition symposium for students with varying abilities, their parents, and teachers. Participants will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout sessions related to self-advocacy, educational support systems, employment, independent living skills, and community services. I'm excited for students to hear from Romereo Brown, founder and CEO of the clothing brand Weird and Different, during the lunch keynote. Resources and agencies from the community will be available to all attendees in the exhibitor's hall.

There are relevant topics of interest for ALL abilities . Schedule your school buses, get your field trip forms completed (see attached parent packet), share flyers with your parents, and join us for this impactful student opportunity!

WHEN: February 24, 2025

TIME: 8:30 am (Check-In) – 2:00 pm

WHERE: Region 7 ESC, 1909 South Longview Street, Kilgore

REGISTER: Use the QR code and/or link on the attached flyers or REGISTER HERE.

English & Spanish Flyer

PTOP Parent Packet

Join me in exploring the core principles and strategies embedded in three key courses developed by TEA and the 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.

When: January 24, 2025

Time: 8:30 - 12:00 PM

Where: Virtual

REGISTER HERE

Embark on a journey of discovery and collaboration at our dynamic workshop tailored for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in Region 7. "Expedition 18+" offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest and greatest in Adult Transition Services. Delve into best practices, connect with fellow trailblazers in 18+, and tap into the wealth of resources crafted by the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) Student-Centered Transition Network.

When: January 29, 2025

Time: 9:00-3:00 pm

Where: In-Person, ESC R7

REGISTER HERE

New Transition Employment Designees, Transition Coordinators, and Transition Specialists will receive hands-on professional development related to best practices and legal requirements for Transition.

When: February 6, 2025

Time: 8:30-11:30

Where: In-Person Only, ESC R7

REGISTER HERE

The transition services sessions will provide special education professionals 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.

When: February 6, 2025

Time: 12:30 pm - 3:30

Where: In-Person/Region 7 OR Virtual * NOW A HYBRID OPTION FOR THE P.M. SESSION

REGISTER HERE

Welcome to Transition Topics Tuesday, 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.

JANUARY: FUNCTIONAL VOCATIONAL EVALUATIONS

When: Monday, January 13, 2025 - Yes, Transition Tuesday is on a Monday for this session.

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Where: Virtual

REGISTER HERE

FEBRUARY: PARENT & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

When: Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Where: Virtual

REGISTER HERE

The 2024 Texas Transition Conference will be held February 19th – 21st at the Royal Sonesta Galleria in Houston, TX. Visit the hotel page for more information.

The maximum capacity for the live event is 500. A virtual option is available, and the registration rate is the same as the live event.

• Students, families & preservice teachers rate $200
• Early Registration Rate $350 (registration & payment received before 12/13/24)
• Regular Registration Rate $425 (registrations & payments received after 12/13/24)
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Rachel Brown, TED from Huntington ISD, created a Google classroom designed to support students with their transition needs.

"I add students to my Google classroom as we meet for transition assessments. I have two sections of my classroom: student presentations and student resources.

Student presentations contain various ways for students to choose to participate in their ARD meetings, including creating a slide show, a canvas pictorial vision board, a canva transition brochure, and a video presentation.

Student resources contain links to various transition assessments, resources, and a presentation I created to show what is included in an IEP meeting to prepare students for the meeting, help them decide what they want to share, provides a link to the FAFSA website, and a picture career inventory assessment. I add resources as soon as I come across them.

Students can ask questions and we can communicate privately through this virtual classroom setting.”

-Rachel Brown, TED, Huntington ISD