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Student-Centered Transitions Network

What's Trending in Transition

February 2020
WHAT'S NEW
The Student-Centered Transitions Network wants to hear from you
Have you had a chance to keep up with our monthly newsletters? If not, you can find past issues on the homepage of our Texas Transition website. We would like to know what topics or questions you would like to see featured in our What's Trending in Transition newsletter. Tell us what you think by clicking on the button below.
The  Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released a  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to address questions about students served by special education and HB 165 which pertains to graduation requirements and endorsements.

Some topics addressed in this FAQ are:
  • Effective date of implementation for HB165;
  • STAAR Alternate 2 and endorsement requirements;
  • Endorsement decisions from previous school years; and
  • Impact on graduation codes under HB165.
TED SPOTLIGHT
Highlights for Transition and Employment Designees (TED)

Did you know that there is a quick way to access information about transition requirements in Texas? You can find this information and more on the Legal Framework website. The Legal Framework is resource where you will find the state and federal requirements for special education in an easy to search format. This is also where you will find the TED search if you want to know who the TED contact is for a district or charter in Texas.

Note: If you are the TED for your district or charter, you must be able to provide information and resources about effective transition planning that includes the state transition requirements. To get a quick refresher on these requirements, you can search the Transition Services framework where you will find the transition requirements listed that should be reflected in your practices and transition requirements that must be documented in your special education processes.
TRANSITION RESOURCES
Let's talk transition assessment
As part of our role in providing comprehensive transition services to the students we serve, we all want to have access to the best tools to help us develop the most meaningful transition plans. One way to do this is with relevant, age-appropriate transition assessments.

This month we want to highlight some of our favorite resources for transition assessment. If you are looking to add to your transition assessment toolkit, here are some resources that you may find helpful:


Do you have more great tools that address transition assessment? Send us an email and let us know what you are using!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should a district or charter school begin to address decision-making skills, including self-determination, as part of transition planning?
One of the new transition requirements that has been in effect since the 2018-2019 school year is related to decision-making skills and self-determination. Let's take a closer look at that requirement below.

Not later than when a child reaches age 14, the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee must consider and, if appropriate, address:
  • The use and availability of appropriate:
  • Supplementary aids, services, curricula, and other opportunities to assist the child in developing decision-making skills; and
  • Supports and services to foster the child's independence and self-determination, including a supported decision-making agreement
As you prepare to address these components, consider the following questions:
  • Where and when do you currently teach decision-making skills?
  • At what age or grade level do you begin to address decision-making skills within the TEKS?
  • What supplemental resources do you have available to teach skills for decision-making and self-determination?

Where can I find more resources to support these requirements? The I'm Determined website is a great place to find resources to teach decision-making and self-determination from elementary to secondary instruction.
Student-Centered Transitions Network | Texas Transition

Content in this e-newsletter is provided in partnership with the Student-Centered Transitions Network and the Texas Education Agency.