Transition
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What is Transition?
Transition planning is about planning for life! It is a process that starts in middle school and continues until the student exits school. The focus of this transition is on the student’s post-school goals including continuing education, independent living, and work. The student and the family are integral to this process. For maybe the first and only time in a child’s life it is ALL about them!
How to Start the Transition Process
Transition Websites - This annotated list of websites offers the reader a variety of informational, non-commercial sites related to transition from school to adult options.
Community Agencies - Many community agencies working with people with disabilities will start working with the students while they are still in school. See a list of agencies and contact information.
Transition Portfolio and Support Materials - Resources developed through a collaborative effort among the six school districts that comprise the Shenandoah Valley Regional Program with the support of a grant from the Virginia Department of Education.
Transition Portfolio for Students with Significant Disabilities - The Transition Portfolio for Students with Severe Disabilities is very similar in design to the original Transition Portfolio, but was created to address transition for students with a greater need of support from their community.
JIVE - The JIVE (Jump Into Vocational Education) Program is a work assessment program coordinated by Rockingham County Public Schools in cooperation with James Madison University. Students try jobs on the JMU campus with job coaching support from JMU graduate students in special education.
VEP - VEP (Vocational Evaluation Program) is a vocational evaluation housed at Massanutten Technical Center (MTC). Students spend 3-4 afternoons at MTC participating in 3 work areas of interest to them. Program choices include all the vocational/work areas available at MTC.
PERT - PERT (Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition) is a 10-day residential vocational evaluation at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. Students stay in the dorms with other high school-age peers. They participate in evaluation to determine strengths and weaknesses involving vocational skills, independent living skills, and recreation and leisure skills. PERT is jointly funded and coordinated between Department of Rehabilitative Services and the Virginia Department of Education. There is no cost to families for students to attend. For further information, visit the websites for PERT and the Department of Rehabilitative Services.
Transition to Post-Secondary Education and College - Students planning to attend college or other post-secondary options also need to plan for this important transition. While IEPs and traditional K-12 school services do not apply to colleges, universities and other post-secondary options, students can still receive accommodations and modifications based on their disability. This transition takes special planning that needs to start early in the student’s high school career.
Work/Study Programs - Each high school in the county includes work/study programming for students who need special assistance building the skills for independent work in the community. For more information on work/study programming available, contact the school.
Transition Information for Students with Moderate to Significant Disabilities Resource Guide (download document: Word | PDF ) - The purpose of this guide and compilation of information is to provide parents and students with information on the maze of transition and the many services that MIGHT be available to students with moderate or severe disabilities as they reach adult hood. This handbook will not map the process, because each person’s transition is individualized. It will provide enough information to know who to ask for additional information and where to go for certain services.
RCPS Pupil Personnel Services - This site houses special education information and helpful resources for parents, teachers, and students.
Self-Determination - Since 2006 Rockingham County Public Schools have been involved in a Dept. of Education project to assist students in enhancing their self-determination skills. The goal is to have every student leave our doors possessing the skills necessary to advocate for themselves in the “real” world. The weblink for the “I’m Determined” Project lists the goals for the project along with useful lessons, resources and materials for students, parents and educators.
With questions or comments, please contact
Faith Hottle
Transition Facilitator
fhottle@rockingham.k12.va.us
It is the policy of the Rockingham County School Board to comply with all applicable state and federal laws regarding nondiscrimination in employment and educational programs and services. Rockingham County Public Schools will not discriminate illegally on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, or age as to employment or educational programs and activities.