Students Face Uncertain Paths After Special Education

From Education Week
Published online May 29, 2015
Written by Christina A. Samuels
Audience: Teachers, Special Education Specialists, Transition Teachers and Families

Students have experienced a structured and somewhat predictable path while receiving special education services in public school settings since IDEA has been enacted. What has not been historically smooth is the transition from education to vocational or post education life. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act hopes to add structure and substance to transition

2020 Federal Youth Transition Plan: A Federal Interagency Strategy

Key Points: I found this plan on the CEC Website. It is a plan to connect federal government agencies to work together to provide the best full coverage support for youth with disabilities to transition them into adulthood. (Agencies: Department of Labor- Office of Disability Employment, Department of Education - Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Social Security Administration). Below are the goals of this plan:
        1) Access health care services and integrated work-based experiences in high school
        2) Develop self-determination and engage in self-directed individualized    planning
        3) Be connected to programs, services, activities, information, and supports
        4) Develop leadership and advocacy skills
        5) Have involvement from families and other caring adults with high expectations
Intended Audience: Parents with Children who have disabilities, School Districts (Specifically Transition Services), Teachers, Agencies noted above, Lawmakers

Published: February 2015

URL: http://www.findyouthinfo.gov/docs/508_EDITED_RC_FEB26-accessible.pdf

Study Finds Postsecondary Programs Boost Outcomes

I am excited to see that more states are offering postsecondary services and are seeing positive results.  The article in Disability Scoop is vague and lacks in describing what is meant by Postsecondary programs as well as how it is funded which has encouraged uninformed people to make judgements.


http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/01/20/study-postsecondary-outcomes/19972/