Special Education

Michele Mitchell, Executive Director
Student Advancement
(757) 283-7850

Transition Services

Steven Teresi, Program Administrator, Transition Programs
(757) 283-7850 x.10430
Fax: (757) 599-5605

What is Transition Planning?

The federal law, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004, defines secondary transition as a coordinated set of activities designed to be within a results-oriented process, focused on improving the academic achievement and functional performance to facilitate movement from school to post-school activities.

Virginia Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities states that secondary transition services will be addressed prior to the child entering secondary school but not later than when the child turns 14, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team, and updated annually thereafter.

The IEP shall include age-appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and where appropriate, independent living skills; and transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the child in reaching those goals.

Postsecondary education
Career and technical education
Integrated employment
Continuing/adult education
Adult services
Independent living
Community participation

The key to a successful transition is early and thoughtful planning. Students must be actively involved in the planning process.

Transition Planning is based upon:

Student's preferences
Student's interests
Student's needs
Student's strengths

Transition services include:

Activities needed to assist the student in reaching postsecondary goals
Courses of study

Who can participate in Transition planning?

Student
Parents or guardians
Special educator
Guidance counselor
CTE teacher
Vocational evaluator
Therapist
Adult agency services providers
Anyone who has a vested interest in the student's postsecondary activities

Transition Services provided in NNPS:

Informal transition assessments
Transition planning & attendance to IEP meetings
Career and technical course referrals
Referral source to local agencies
Transition data collection
Tours
-- Versability of the VA Peninsula
-- New Horizons Regional Education Center
-- Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center

Transition Programs in NNPS: