Ugh...

I hate working when you are all off and having a great time...

I am getting a lot done though. I have been looking at some folders and these are some concerns:
1.  Still not enough data on the PLOP and annual review (should be able to take those two documents and write lesson plans, remember).
2.  Need more record of parent participation. Remember, this has to be "meaningful participation" not just that they were present and participated.
3.  Need much healthier transition plans and goals.

I hope a bunch of you high school guys are going to Teresa's Transition Toolkit 1. I think it will be much stronger than it has been in the past. I am also going to try to get Teresa to come and spend time working with us in small groups next year. Nettleton was just monitored this spring and thanks to Teresa's guidance, the monitors bragged and bragged about their Transition. We all want to make sure we meet that same standard.

So today's tip will be on Transtion!!!

The law says "Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect after age 16, a student's program must contain appropriate, measurable post secondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills" 20 USC 1414(d)(1)(A)(i)(VIII).

At age 16 we (surely) should have a good idea about which way our kiddos are heading, and we should begin the awesome responsibility of guiding them in that direction. There's a lot to think about when it comes to our students' futures. We should encourage parents to begin to allow us to invite in agencies as early as possible. If the agencies don't wish to meet with our students until senior or junior year, we need to document their statements as to such. The important thing is that we are continually advocating for our students, and we can document this every step of the way.

As my own child's 16th birthday is looming only 2 months in the future. I understand the pressure our parents must feel to have a "plan" in place. Our assessments and thoughtful transition plans/goals should help to ease some minds!