Transition Tribune

SPPI 13: Secondary Transition

Data Source: SPP 13 TEAL Application, Secondary Transition IEP Compliance Data

Data Collection Timeline: April 1, 2025 - August 8, 2025

Data Collection Period: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

Utilize the recently updated SPPI 13 FAQ HERE.

*GREAT IDEA: Compile your data and complete your submission prior to the end of the school year while you have staff on campus to assist in the process.

• Utilize the Special Education Diploma-Type Codes document to assist you in determining the appropriate diploma-type code for each enrolled senior in special education.
• Review your IEP paperwork and ensure the Diploma-type code is accurate and will correlate with the diploma-type code being reported to the state for each student. Hold a revision ARD as needed.
• Schedule a time early Spring to meet as a team with your district PEIMS staff and Counselors to review your current seniors and make sure everyone has the appropriate documented Diploma-type codes.
• Identify any Continuers on your senior list that will not graduate and receive a diploma due to the need to continue for services in 18+ (hold an ARD to determine this need) - Make sure counselors and PEIMs are aware of all continuers vs. graduates for coding purposes.
• Identify the students who will walk the stage with their cohort group despite not receiving a diploma . Make sure counselors and PEIMs staff are aware of students participating in the ceremony yet not receiving a diploma.
• Ensure you complete a Summary of Performance for every graduating (graduation = diploma) senior.
• Before graduation, create and disseminate a packet to seniors, including the Summary of Performance, the latest IEP, and FIE. Provide a cover letter with phone numbers to agencies in the community that can support them upon graduation if the need arises. Consider adding the SPPI 14 bookmark (see below in Resources) to the packet.
• Gather updated phone numbers, email addresses, and addresses for graduating seniors to assist with increasing district response for the SPPI 14 survey.

*GREAT IDEA: Attend the Leaving A Clear Trail workshop on April 17th on your own or with your district team of counselors, PEIMs, special education staff, and CTE administrators to learn all about graduation requirements for students receiving special education services.

Per TEC 29.011(e), the LEA assures the Texas Transition and Employment Guide is linked in both English and Spanish from the Texas Transition website to the LEA website for parent and student access.

To meet compliance with this requirement, each LEA should post a link directly to the PDF in English and Spanish (as posted on Texas SPED Support). If an LEA has uploaded the PDFs to their local server rather than linked directly to the Texas SPED Support website, they have met compliance with this requirement.

Additionally, LEAs may post links to the Transition and Employment Guide in other languages, and/or to the page on Texas SPED Support where all Texas Transition and Employment Guide resources can be found.

*The LEA deadline to submit Legal Framework assurances, including the assurance that the Texas Transition and Employment Guide is posted to the LEA website, has been extended ~we will share the new deadline when announced by the TEA.

All LEAs must assure the contact information for the Transition and Employment Designee (TED) is current in AskTED and that the TED has met the minimum training requirements or will complete the training within a reasonable timeframe.

*The LEA deadline to submit Legal Framework assurances, including the assurance that the TED is accurate in AskTED, has been extended ~we will share the new deadline when announced by the TEA.

To collect data related to post-school outcomes required for State Performance Plan Indicator (SPPI) 14, a survey is conducted one year after the exited students left public school. Local education agencies (LEAs) may print copies of this bookmark to share information about the survey with students and their parents/guardians before they exit public school.

*Obtain an English and Spanish version of the bookmark HERE.

See the Administrators Role in Transition video HERE from Texas SPED Support website about assisting administrators to foster a culture where transition planning is equally important for every student.

"We are preparing every student in school for college and career." ~ Erik Carter, Ph.D.

As the Transition Employment Designee (TED) for your district or charter school, you are likely serving in multiple roles and managing many responsibilities. The Community of Practice (CoP) is here to help and applications will be accepted throughout the year. Information and a link to submit your

application to join are available on Texas SPED Support.

The TED CoP is open to Local Education Agency (LEA) staff currently serving in the TED role. Before you apply, check to be sure you are listed as the TED for your district or charter school. See the section for “Locating the TED in AskTED” in the TED Guidelines if you need support to navigate AskTED.

New Transition Employment Designees, Transition Coordinators, and Transition Specialists will receive hands-on professional development related to best practices and legal requirements for Transition. This session will provide the opportunity for participants to apply what they've learned about The Transition Process from beginning to end.

When: April 9, 2025

Time: 9:00-11:00 am

Where: Virtual Only

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. This session will focus on GREAT IDEAS in Transition obtained from existing district practices across Texas.

When: April 9, 2025

Time: 1:00-3:00 pm

Where: Virtual Only

REGISTER HERE

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.

APRIL 17, 2025

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

LOCATION: ESC REGION 7 & VIRTUAL

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.

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.

APRIL: SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE

When: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

Where: Virtual

REGISTER HERE

Join us for a transformative 2-day training designed specifically for secondary special education teachers and their paraprofessional teams who support students with intellectual and developmental delays. This comprehensive workshop will equip educators with the tools and strategies needed to foster independence in the classroom and beyond. Teachers and Paraprofessionals will learn how to enhance student communication by teaching self-advocacy and empowerment skills, develop work-based learning opportunities in and out of the classroom, identify principles of job coaching, and discover ways to engage and collaborate with parents and families to support student success. Dedicated time for teachers and paraprofessional teams to collaborate will allow teams to develop tailored plans and set classroom goals for the upcoming school year. By the end of this workshop, participants will leave with practical tools, enhanced skills, and actionable plans to create a more inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environment for their students.

JUNE 13 AND 16, 2025 ~ 2-DAY TRAINING

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

LOCATION: ESC REGION 7

REGISTER HERE ~ Register Soon! This session is capped at 50 total participants.

Region 7 Education Service Center and Partners Resource Network hosted the Pathways to Possibilities Symposium on Monday, February 24, bringing together 215 participants, including 145 students, 58 district staff members, and 12 parents from 25 districts in the region. The event provided students with opportunities to explore self-advocacy, educational support systems, employment, independent living skills, and community services.

One of the most notable sessions, “Dress for Success," offered essential guidance on professional attire and interview readiness. Kerry Jackson, Director of Student Support Services for Winona ISD, expressed appreciation for the session, stating, “The event yesterday was so meaningful to us. I want to take a moment to express my and Winona ISD’s appreciation for the insightful and engaging Dress for Success session. It was an incredibly valuable experience that provided essential guidance to our students on how to approach job interviews with confidence and professionalism.”

The event featured Keynote Speaker Romereo Brown, CEO and owner of “Weird and Different Clothing” in Tyler, who delivered an inspiring message about embracing individuality. Students eagerly engaged with Brown, asking thoughtful questions about overcoming challenges and achieving success. Tracy Johnston, Specialist at Region 7 ESC, reflected on the impact of the keynote session, saying, “Romereo delivered a powerful and relatable message: ‘Everyone is unique, and we need to embrace our differences because that’s what makes us who we are.’”

Several community agencies also participated, offering resources to parents, students, and district staff, ensuring attendees could connect with long-term support services available beyond graduation.

Participants left the event feeling inspired, prepared, and eager for future opportunities to grow and learn.

Click here to view more pictures from the event.

For more information about the Pathways to Possibilities Symposium or other upcoming events, please visit www.esc7.net.