Middle & High School Transitions
Transitioning into middle and high school environments can be challenging This page provides information and resources to help you feel empowered and make the transition as smooth as possible.
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Description: The Profile of a Virginia Graduate describes the knowledge, skills, experiences and attributes that students must attain to be successful in college and/or the work force and to be “life ready.” In developing the profile, the Board of Education determined that a life-ready Virginia graduate must: Achieve and apply appropriate academic and technical knowledge (content knowledge); Demonstrate productive workplace skills, qualities, and behaviors (workplace skills); Build...
Description: Partnership for People with Disabilities (VCU) - More than 50 million Americans currently live with some form of disability. In Virginia, this means that one of every five citizens will have a disability or know someone who does. Everything we do at the Partnership is focused on supporting people with disabilities and their families to be fully participating members of their community. Our work focuses on the four major areas of emphasis of early childhood, education, health, and community...
Description: Google Maps has launched a new feature that shows the wheelchair accessible routes around public transit in major cities around the world. To access the “wheelchair accessible” routes, type your desired destination into Google Maps. Tap “Directions” then select the public transportation icon. Then tap “Options” and under the Routes section, you’ll find “wheelchair accessible” as a route type. When you select this option, Google Maps will show...
Description: The education of children with disabilities is a top national priority. Our nation’s special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), sets high standards for their achievement and guides how special help and services are made available in schools to address their individual needs.
Description: Finally, we come to the last of the IEP components—the transfer of rights at age of majority. This component is only needed in the IEPs of some students, as you’ll see. IDEA’s exact words What does age of majority mean? What IDEA requires How is the student informed?
Description: Goal Plan is a downloadable, fillable PDF file of the Goal Plan - a simple tool to help you set and attain goals. We are all striving to become better at something or to accomplish a goal. But how often do we actually sit down and plan out steps to achievement? Whether you are trying to improve your grades, or accomplish a life-long goal, the Goal Plan will help you get there!.
Description: The Good Day Plan is a downloadable, fillable PDF file of the Good Day Plan - a tool to help you design days that are perfect for you! Think about what a good day at school or work looks and feels like for you. Do you need coffee? Do you need to listen to music first thing in the morning, or do you need some quiet time to start your day? Does it happen now? If not, what can you do to make it happen? Who can help you along the way? The Good Day Plan helps you make and stick to...
Description: The One-Pager is a downloadable, fillable PDF file of the One-Pager - a tool to help others get to know the important things about you. Think about a time when you really wanted someone – a teacher – to know stuff about you but you really didn’t want to have to take the time and the words to explain it. Think about your IEP. How long does it take for anyone to look at it and find out the important things about you? The One-Pager was created as a way to cut...
Description: A Life 4 Me is a an online resource to help people with disabilities establish community connections, including social, employment, and volunteer opportunities. It was developed by youth with disabilities, in partnership with the Partnership for People with Disabilities and Virginia Department of Education. Video Tours Include: Go To College Get Services in the Community Live in the Community Work in the Community Friendship Support Entrepreneurship Economic/Personal Finance Mental Health...
Description: College Steps was founded by a clinical psychologist and a special educator with a simple mission: To empower students living with learning and social challenges through structured post-secondary support. Working closely with high schools, colleges and families, we emphasize peer-to-peer services that build confidence and success. College Steps provides personalized college support for students with learning and social challenges. Our student-centered support utilizes peer mentoring and...
Description: Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children - The Department of Defense, in collaboration with the National Center for Interstate Compacts and the Council of State Governments has developed an interstate compact that addresses the educational transition issues of children of military families. Currently all 50 States and the District of Columbia participate in the interstate compact that provide a uniform policy platform for resolving the challenges experienced by...
Description: Being a parent is the most wonderful—and hardest—job in the world. If you have a child with special needs, your job is no less wonderful, but it can be more complicated. Your child’s education is most likely an area of great interest to you. As a child with a disability, he or she may be eligible for special education services in school. If so, then it will be important for you to learn: more about special education; how special education services can support your child; and...
Description: More and more students are seeking support for mental health disabilities at colleges, but colleges have been unable to meet that demand. Some have argued that the nation has reached a “campus mental health crisis.” This National Council on Disability (NCD) report examines and assesses the status of college mental health services and policies in the United States, and provides recommendations for Congress, federal agencies, and colleges to improve college mental health services...
Description: AAIDD, is the publisher, copyright holder, and sole owner of the SIS, SIS-A. SIS-C, SIS-A Annual Review Protocol, and Person-Centered Planning With the Supports Intensity Scale-Adult Version™: A Guide for Planning Teams (2017). The suite of SIS tools also includes all associated interview scoring forms, user’s guides, training manuals and materials, and associated electronic software platforms, most notably SISOnline and SISVenture. The SIS-A is a standardized assessment tool...
Description: The road to adulthood for youth with disabilities is filled with opportunity, and parents play a key role. PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment is ready with the information families want, presented in a way families can use. Founded in 2014, PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment builds on PACER’s decades of experience providing high quality assistance and support to parents, youth, and professionals on transition topics. This...
Description: Several referral services can direct you to a lawyer who fits your needs. Your match may be just one a phone call away. State your legal problem and you can be given the name of an attorney in that area of the law right in your community. Referral services charge a small fee that covers your initial consultation with the lawyer. The Virginia Bar Association does not offer attorney referrals. There are, however, a number of referral services in the state.
Description: Community-based Skills Assessment Tool Kit - The transition out of school-based services for students with autism can be difficult. There is no "one size fits all" plan for the path to adulthood. The most important factor in creating a plan is to focus on the individual. His or her strengths, needs, challenges and preferences will be vital to a successful transition process. The CSA helps parents and professionals assess the current skill levels and abilities of students with...
Description: This web app provides online resources to help famililies raising children and youth in foster care and kinship care, where children and youth are brought up by non-birth parent relatives. The following topics are covered: Trying to Enroll a Child in School? Concerned about Learning or School? Concerned about Mental Health or Behaviors? Need Public Benefits? Concerned about Transitions Through School and After? Concerned about Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs? Involved in the Court...
Description: A recent PBS NewsHour segment examined issues related to employment of people with disabilities, including taking a deeper look at why the employment rate of Americans with disabilities is much higher compared to people without disabilities. The segment also shows how employers benefitting from hiring people with disabilities.
Description: Student-directed IEPs are quickly gaining momentum in schools across the country—the proven benefits include higher academic achievement, enhanced student motivation, and increased communication and self-advocacy skills for students with disabilities. Now for the first time, there's a book that gives elementary and high school educators in-depth how-to guidance on making student-directed IEPs work for students with a range of special needs. Packed with practical advice, helpful examples,...
Description: As you get older, you’re able to start making your own decisions about a lot of things that matter most to you. You may choose your own clothes, music, and friends. You also may be ready to make decisions about your body and health. Making healthy decisions about what you eat and drink, how active you are, and how much sleep you get is a great place to start. Here you’ll learn how your body works—how your body uses the food and drinks you consume and how being active may help...
Description: The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) plays a critical role in improving the health and well-being of Virginians through access to high-quality health care coverage. This year, Medicaid expanded eligibility for health coverage to close to 400,000 Virginia adults. This year also marks the one-year anniversary of Virginia’s nationally-renowned Substance Use Disorder benefit, the Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services program. DMAS also achieved major milestones in...
Description: Great Expectations is a nationally recognized program that helps Virginia’s foster youth earn the postsecondary credentials they need to achieve an independent and successful life. Great Expectations is currently available at 21 of Virginia’s Community Colleges. Great Expectations was created in 2008 as a partnership between Virginia’s Community Colleges and philanthropists supporting the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education. The program launched at five Virginia...
Description: LIFE stands for Living Independently, Focusing on Empowerment. Project LIFE is a UMFS program, funded by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Their mission is to enhance the successful transition of older youth in foster care to adulthood by: increasing the capacity of professionals working with youth to engage in sound, evidence-based practices, and promoting permanent connections, effective preparation for transition to adulthood, and meaningful youth input into state and local...
Description: Services for Older Youth - Youth services (also known as the Independent Living Program) assists foster care youths ages 14-21 in developing the skills necessary to make the transition from foster care to independent living. Independent Living services include activities that are based on a written assessment of life skills. Areas of focus include personal development skills such as self-esteem, communication skills, decision-making, conflict resolution and anger management. Examples of...
Description: There is a juvenile and domestic relations district court in each Virginia city and county. In Virginia, a juvenile is any person under 18 years of age. The juvenile and domestic relations district court hears all matters involving juveniles such as criminal or traffic matters. Juvenile delinquency cases are cases involving a minor under the age of 18 who has been accused of committing an offense that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult. Other juvenile offenses may be referred...
Description: Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice - The Reentry, Education and Intervention Division is responsible for meeting the needs of youth committed to DJJ by providing them with quality education, treatment and rehabilitation and reentry supports to create a seamless transition to the community. The Reentry, Education and Intervention Division is composed of: Education – Responsible for providing quality instructional practices and programs to improve student performance....
Description: The Virginia Department of Education is the administrative agency for the commonwealth’s public schools. VDOE works in partnership with Virginia’s 132 school divisions to support and improve teaching and learning, set high expectations for all students, and promote student safety, wellbeing, and health.
Description: The Executive Skills Questionnaire (ESQ) is designed to rank your executive skills. Executive function skills are mental processes that allow us to plan, focus our attention, recall instructions, juggle multiple tasks successfully, and self-regulate.
Description: Helping your child through the process of choosing a college, applying and then getting ready to go can seem like a daunting task. Like everything, it’s easier if you break it down. Here’s information to help you get your freshman-to-be all set for his four-year adventure. You will find: 9 Steps for Easing the Transition to College Typs of College Accommodations and Services Checklist: What to Ask Colleges About Assistive Technology Video: College Students on the Best Things Their...
Description: This web-based guide to rental housing and housing resources is produced by the Virginia Housing and Supportive Services' Northern Virginia Regional Implementation Team. The Northern Virginia RIT educates individuals, families and service providers about integrated, independent housing and new housing resources available to people in the Settlement Agreement population. We also prepare individuals with developmental disabilities to qualify for housing resources and help them navigate...
Description: EZPic2Txt is a texting app that provides a simple picture-based format for individuals with disabilities, who are non-readers or who are not able to text using a standard touch screen keyboard. The user can send important preset messages (created by a family member, caregiver, educator or employment specialist) to necessary preset contacts as e-mail messages or text messages with one swipe. Texts sent or received by the user can be read out loud using text-to-speech technology. Messages may be...
Description: Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) works together with students, youth, families, schools and community agencies and organizations to provide services that promote successful transitions from school to work and adult life. DRS offers two sets of services to help students with disabilities move from school to post-school life: pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) transition services....
Description: To aid in a seamless transition from school to post-school activities, this transition guide addresses the following topics: Transition planning: opportunities and programs; Transition services and requirements, as authorized by IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act; Education and employment options for students and youth with disabilities after leaving secondary school; and Supporting the decisions made by students and youth with disabilities. As students and youth with disabilities prepare to...
Description: The POWER (Parent Organizer With Educational Resources) web app provides parents and families with online resources to answer questions about child development, disabilities, community services, Special Education, diploma options in Virginia and transition to life after high school. The questions and potential resources are separated into age levels: Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School and High School. This project is a collaborative effort between the Parent Resource...
Description: The Applied Studies Diploma is a diploma option available to students identified as having a disability who complete the requirements of their individualized education programs (IEPs) and meet certain requirements prescribed by the Board of Education pursuant to regulations, but do not meet the requirements for any named diploma. This includes a Webinar Series on the Applied Studies Diploma: Applied Studies Diploma Overview Applied Studies Diploma Part 2: The Curriculum Map Applied Studies...
Description: This online Applied Studies Curriculum Progress Report generator enables teachers to document progress on the domains and competencies contained in the Applied Studies Curriculum Map. Domains: Employment English History and Social Science Independent Living Mathematics Science Competencies: Employment Career Awareness Employability Job-Seeking Skills Problem Solving Self-Advocacy Social/Communication English Community Literacy Composition Comprehension Documents and Forms Self-Selected...
Description: Transition Assessment and Goal Generator (TAGG) - Both TAGG-High School (previously TAGG) and TAGG-Alternate are available for use. All assessment items are derived from research identified student behaviors associated with post high school success, focused on employment and further education. The TAGG provides a norm-based graphic profile, present level of performance statement, lists of strengths and needs, and suggested IEP annual transition goals.
Description: Military Outreach (PEATC) - Military families sacrifice alongside the military member and face unique challenges such as deployment, frequent moves, and the additional demands of high Optempo. For those families who have children with disabilities receiving special education and related services, moving every 2-3 years is likely to negatively impact educational outcomes for their student. PEATC’s Military Outreach Specialists assist active duty, reservists,...
Description: As outlined in the W!SE Financial Literacy Certification Test Proctoring Guidelines, students may have three attempts per semester to pass the W!SE test. Also, students with disabilities must receive the testing accommodations specified in their IEP or Section 504 Accommodation Plans, following the specific instructions given in the Proctoring Guidelines document.
Description: Virginia’s Medicaid Waiver System: Could you or your child benefit from services such as respite care, personal care, assistive technology, employment services, residential services, nursing care, and/or behavior supports? If so, you may want to check into Virginia’s Medicaid Waiver program. In Virginia, Medicaid Waivers pay for a variety of services and supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities. They provide these supports so that the person can live...
Description: CampusTours builds video tours, photorealistic interactive campus maps, mobile walking tours and custom data-driven multimedia applications for education, non-profit and government clients worldwide. AnyMap™ Turn any type of map artwork into a rich interactive map and virtual tour experience with AnyMap. AnyTour™ From community colleges to the United States Capitol, organizations trust AnyTour to tell their stories. WalkingTour™ WalkingTour is a compelling video...
Description: Taking a full-length SAT practice test is one of the best ways to simulate test day. Eight official SAT practice tests are available for free, both online and on paper. Created by the makers of the SAT, each practice test has the same types of questions you'll see on test day. Six of the practice tests have even previously been given as actual SAT exams.
Description: The mission of HKNC is to give people who are deaf-blind the tools to live, work and thrive in the communities of their choice. Authorized by an Act of Congress in 1967, HKNC is the only organization of its kind—providing training and resources exclusively to people age 16 and over who have combined vision and hearing loss. Students travel from across the country to our headquarters in Sands Point, New York, for on-campus training in assistive technology, vocational services, orientation...
Description: Age of majority is the age when children legally become adults. At this time, they gain the rights of adults, which include the right to vote, marry, apply for a credit card, make medical and financial decisions for themselves, sign contracts, live independently, and much more. In most states the age of majority is age 18. We invite you to read this tip sheet for parents to learn more about: Who decides the age of majority The age of majority in your state What the transfer of parental...
Description: Age of Majority Overview (PEATC) - It’s hard to think about your child becoming an adult. The age of majority in Virginia, when your child turns 18, means that the rights, and responsibilities of being an adult pass from the parent to the adult child. However, there are ways for parents of students with disabilities to stay involved and to help ensure that good decisions are made. First, we will talk about educational decision-making for those students with disabilities who...
Description: The Toolbox for Self-Determination is a resource for parents to learn more about self-determination. It walks parents through the ways they can help their child become self-determined, and shows examples of the One-Pager, Good Day Plan and Goal Plan templates that can be used to aid in self-determination.
Description: What can adult life include? Young people with disabilities look forward to adult lives in the community that include: Friends and family Relaxation and fun A home of their own Work or volunteering Lifelong learning Making choices Travel or move around your community Faith-based participation This is a good picture of the future. It can happen when young people have a team planning with them.
Description: The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities. To develop and influence disability employment-related policies and practices, ODEP sponsors the following three policy development and technical assistance resources: Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) Job Accommodation Network...
Description: DMV has taken numerous measures to ensure our customer service centers (CSC) comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that our customers with disabilities have access to the programs and services they need. Assistance for Customers with Disabilities Customers with disabilities can easily request special assistance or accommodations by making their needs known when they arrive at the information counter in any CSC. A customer service representative will assist the customer with...