Genna Sanders Transition Specialist Forney ISD genna.sanders @forneyisd.net.

Genna SandersTransition SpecialistForney ISD [email protected]

Special educators have known, for years, the importance of community based instructional trips for life skills students.But, what about our mainstreamed students?

Let’s look at the stats…

For the second quarter of 2010, the U. S. Department of Labor reports an unemployment rate for those with disabilities of 15.5 percent, compared to 9.2 percent for those with no disability.

Furthermore, most often, those with disabilities are the “last hired and first fired.”

Let’s look at the stats…

So what can we do?

We can give our students community based experiences to show them what opportunities await them.

Start transition MAP in 7th grade. Build on that MAP.

The MAP is a transition file, that is student centered based on the student’s dreams, fears, interests, and needs. The MAP continues to grow with the student.

So what can we do?

With the support of the district’s special education administration and the campus principals, plan community based instructional trips based on student’s goals.

Take existing data and add to it in simple form early on in the school year.

Utilize your case managers for form distribution and collection, along with trip reminders.

Think outside of the box… Ask for student suggestions for trips Go outside of the community to places

related to the career but maybe non-traditional

Consider the importance, the impact, and the opportunity for networking that an hour or two can make.

Use the drive time as part of your transition interview.

FUTURE VETERINARIANS

Dallas Zoo Animal Hospital

FUTURE ANIMAL SPECIALISTS

Rockwall Equine Center

FUTURE AIRCRAFT MECHANICS

American Airlines Maintenance Base

FUTURE COSMETOLOGISTS

Paul Mitchell Partner School

FUTURE POLICE OFFICERS

Regional Police Academy

FUTURE FIREFIGHTERSDallasFire Station #38

FUTURE SOFTWARE ENGINEERS

Eastfield Community College Tech Expo and Best Buy

FUTURE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

Tyler Junior College Athletic Training Department

FUTURE EDUCATORS

Barnyard Gate Daycare, Mardel Teacher Supply Store, Sylvan Learning Center, and Dancin’ Ovation Dance Studio

FUTURE CHEFS AND ENTREPENEURS

Art Institute of Dallas, Sprinkles Cupcakes, and Chilangolandia Catering Company

FUTURE WELDERS & PLUMBERS

Dallas Joint Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program

FUTURE AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS

Eastfield Community College Automotive Mechanics Program

UNIVERSITY & COMMUNITY COLLEGE VISITS

Texas State Technical College—Waco

UNIVERSITY & COMMUNITY COLLEGE VISITSUniversity of North Texas

Success Stories

Ms Sanders,

I am interested in talking to you about the next steps for Brandon and where we need to start with applying for acceptance with TSTC in Waco.  He was impressed with the tours you set up for them (by the way, THANKS, that is really cool that you are involved in trying to get them started on a path after high school).      

Thanks,

Peggy

Success Stories

Ms. Sanders,

Again, Thank you for ALL that you have done for Michael. It certainly has not gone unnoticed by his mother and me. It is refreshing and comforting to know that in this day and age when so many teachers are there just for a paycheck, there is someone like yourself that genuinely cares for the kids well being and their future. Know this; if there is ever a time when I might be able to help you with anything, all you need to do is ask. I wish it were possible that my youngest child, be able to have you as well. Who knows, perhaps it will happen before she graduates.

Thanks again,

Danny  

Permission SlipDear Parents:As part of your student’s transition from high school to adulthood, your student will be working on transition goals in the community. We call this community based instruction (CBI). I have planned many trips, as you can see below. The dates are pretty firm, but if inclement weather or another obstacle should occur, I will inform you as to changes made in the schedule. Your student can choose ONE trip from EACH category listed for a total of TWO trips. The choices should be based on your student’s goals. We will be using school transportation for our outings. If you give permission for your student to attend one or two of the planned community based instructional trips, please sign this form. We will need the permission slip signed in order for your child to participate. It needs to be returned to your student’s case manager/teacher by October 1, 2010.Each student will need approximately $10.00 for lunch on each trip as we will eat at a nearby fast food location, or they may bring their lunch. If you have any questions or concerns, please call (972) 564-3890 or email me at [email protected] You,Genna Sanders, Transition Specialist, Forney ISD

*Tip: Use your case managers or SPED paras for distribution and collection.

Reminder Forms

Reminder:Your trip to _________________________ is ___________________. Please remember to bring your lunch or $10.00 for lunch. Meet me in the front office just after the first bell. Thanks, Ms. Sanders

*Tip: Use your case managers or office aids to deliver reminders.

Future Plans to Improve

Eventually, I would like at least one community based instructional trip to represent careers in each of the 16 career clusters recognized by Achieve Texas.

And, I would like to take some underclassmen on some of the trips.

Sources for Information http://www.achievetexas.org/POS_Covers.htm Achieve Texas

Programs of Study. Texas Education Agency. 2010.

http://www.ric.edu/sherlockcenter/publications/MAPS.pdf Making Action Plans, Student Centered Transitional Planning. Paul V. Sherlock Center, RI College. 2001.

http://www.betterhighschools.org/docs/PreparingHSStudentsforTransition_073108.pdf Preparing High School Students for Successful Transitions to Postsecondary Education and Employment. Bangser, Michael. August 2008.

http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2010/10/art2exc.htm The impact of the 2007–09 recession on workers with disabilities. Kaye, H. Stephen. October 2010, Vol. 133, No. 10

Disclaimer

Permission was granted from all parents of students pictured in this presentation, by way of signed video presentation release form. No names or identifying information were used in this presentation.

If They Build It, They Will Come

February, 2011

Genna SandersTransition Specialist

Forney ISD [email protected]