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March 2024

Volume 12, Issue 2

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Topics

• Introduction

• Florida's 18-22 Programs

• Accessing 18-22 Transition Programs Requires Deferral of Receipt of a High School Standard Diploma

• Deferment of Receipt of a Standard Diploma: Did You Know?

• Project 10 and Transition-Related Upcoming Events

• Keep Yourself in the Loop by Following Project 10 on Facebook



Introduction

Extended transition programs for students with disabilities play a pivotal role in facilitating their journey from the structured environment of secondary education to the realm of adulthood. These programs, spanning the crucial age range of 18 to 22, hold significant value by providing tailored support and resources that empower individuals with disabilities to navigate the complexities of postsecondary education, vocational training, employment opportunities, and independent living skills. Extended transition programs foster self-advocacy, skill development, and community integration, thereby enhancing students' prospects for long-term success and fulfillment in both academic and real-world settings. Consequently, the importance of 18-22 programs cannot be overstated, as they serve as vital bridges to inclusivity, autonomy, and meaningful participation in society for individuals with disabilities.

The March 2024 Topical Brief delves into Florida’s 18-22 extended transition programs.

Florida's 18-22 Programs

In Florida, extended transition programs encompass diverse initiatives to support students with disabilities in their transition to adulthood. These include structured work-study programs (including internships and pre-apprenticeships), which offer hands-on vocational training and workplace experiences. Many structured work-study programs embed components and activities that support pre-vocational skill acquisition, work-readiness, independence, and autonomy, such as community-based vocational education, school-based enterprises, community-based instruction, independent living skills, and/or self-advocacy and self-determination skills.

Additionally, there are programs designed to support the completion of Scholar Designation, emphasizing academic achievement and skill development. Accelerated College Credit and Early College Programs allow students to earn college credits while still in high school, facilitating a smoother transition to higher education. Industry certification courses for college credit further enhance students' vocational skills and preparedness for postsecondary endeavors.

Collectively, these programs offer a comprehensive approach to transition planning, equipping students with the tools and experiences necessary for success in both academic and professional pursuits.

Explore Project 10’s publication "Florida’s 18-22 Transition Programs" chart available at: http://project10.info/DPage.php?ID=77. This document provides detailed information on program categories, names, activities, and the school districts offering them.

The following table provides an overview of Florida’s five 18-22 program types and factors related to program focus, academic rigor and setting. The chart includes relevant statutes and/or Florida Department of Education (FDOE) links that provide additional information for the 18-22 program types.



Accessing 18-22 Transition Programs Requires Deferral of Receipt of a High School Standard Diploma

In Florida, students with disabilities may access 18-22 transition programs if they require free and appropriate education (FAPE) through age 21 and meet eligibility criteria for deferral of receipt of a standard diploma as outlined in s. 1003.4282(9)(c), F.S. To qualify for a standard diploma deferral, students must meet all three criteria components:

1. Demonstrate that they have completed all high school standard diploma requirements (Refer to Project 10's Graduation Options Charts here: http://project10.info/DPage.php?ID=77#NS138);
2. Require continued education, transition planning, transition services, or related services through age 21, as documented in the IEP; and
3. Is enrolled in accelerated college credit instruction, industry certification courses that lead to college credit, an early college program, courses necessary to satisfy the scholar designation requirements, or a structured work-study, internship, or pre-apprenticeship program.

Students who require extended FAPE through participation in an 18-22 transition program will receive personalized services and experiences designed to support their needs and facilitate progress toward achieving their postsecondary goals.



Deferment of Receipt of a Standard Diploma: Did You Know?

Preparation for extended transition programs for students with disabilities begins well before their senior year in high school. In fact, discussions about the deferment process, encompassing eligibility requirements and program options, are initiated during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and begin no later than when a student reaches the age of 14 and before entering high school. If a student doesn’t reach the age of 14 until high school, these discussions must occur in middle school prior to the student entering 9th grade.

Each year thereafter, or as needed, information regarding the deferment process is reviewed and documented during IEP meetings. In addition, prior to the year the student is expected to meet graduation requirements, the IEP team will collaboratively make a decision about plans for the student to defer the receipt of the standard diploma. This schedule, outlined in s. 1003.5716, F.S., aims to keep parents and students well-informed about the deferment process. Additionally, the annual discussions on deferment ensure that the IEP adequately supports students who receive their standard diploma upon meeting graduation requirements, or appropriately plans for extended transition services and supports for those eligible to defer receipt of the standard diploma.



Project 10 and Transition-Related Upcoming Events

There are a few exciting upcoming secondary transition-related and Project 10 facilitated events in store for educators, secondary transition professionals and other relevant stakeholders. Please see the summary information below and mark your calendars accordingly!

Keep Yourself in the Loop by Following Project 10 on Facebook



Would you like to be part of our amazing transition community? Project 10 provides weekly information on transition-related events and topics, products and training launches, and other important state and project announcements. Please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/project10usfsp, or simply type “Project 10 Transition” into your Facebook search function to find us. Be sure to like, follow and share us-- and help spread the news!



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About Project 10 Topical Briefs:

Project 10 Topical Briefs provide informational summaries and resource links related to secondary transition.

Have a question? Want to find or recommend a resource? Have some great news to share?

Email us at [email protected].

For back issues of Project 10 Topical Briefs, visit our Topical Briefs page on the Project 10 website.

Project 10: Transition Education Network

Assists Florida school districts and relevant stakeholders in building capacity to provide secondary transition services to students with disabilities in order to improve their academic success and post-school outcomes.

Project 10: Transition Education Network

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

Questions or comments?

Email us at [email protected].

www.project10.info