BASA Member Update 5.25.18

Preparing Our Students with Disabilities for Success: Supporting Secondary Transition Services across Ohio The Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) appreciates the effort Ohio’s school districts must take to begin formally implementing secondary transition services for over 20,000 fourteen-year-old students with disabilities and recognizes the pivotal role secondary transition plays in the lives of our students. As such, OEC is releasing a portion of its Secondary Transition Enhancement funds to support this important work; proportionately allocating a flat rate of $14 per district of residence and $44.50 per student with a disability aged 14 as reported by the school district of residence (DOR) in the OEC October 31, 2017 Child Count. This calculation means, for example, that a school district with 25 students will receive $14 + $1,112.50 for a total of $1,126.50. OEC will load funds into the school district CCIP by May 15, 2018. Funds must be entirely spent down by June 30, 2018. OEC acknowledges and recognizes the timing of the release of these funds. Suggestions for appropriate use of the funds are included below. Not sure how to use the funds? Keep in mind all partner schools and agencies and focus on resources that support the Taxonomy for Transition Programming categories of Student-Focused Planning, Student Development, Interagency Collaboration, Program Structures, and Family Engagement. Examples could include: Materials • Council for Exceptional Children Transition Publications • Council for Exceptional Children Transition Resource Set • Whose Future is it? – A research-based curriculum for self-determination and self-awareness • ChoiceMaker Self-Determination Lesson Materials – Be sure to check out the Self-Directed IEP • Consider using funds to offset printing costs to create multiple packages for use throughout the district. Professional Organization Memberships • Council for Exceptional Children/ Division on Career Development and Transition • Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education/Special Needs Division • Association for Career and Technical Education *ACTE members must simultaneously hold Ohio ACTE membership Professional Development Opportunities • Host learning sessions for both general education teachers and intervention specialists around the Secondary Transition for Students with Disabilities modules in ODE’s L earning Management System or the EnvisionIT Curriculum . Funds could cover the cost of substitutes to maximize personnel participation. Considerations When Serving Smaller Numbers of Students • The funds you receive may not be enough to purchase large items such as those above. However, they could still benefit your students. Consider some small ways you could inspire your students to identify and advocate for their preferences, interests, needs, and strengths. Items such as an inspirational book, interview question cards, a bus pass to work one day, and more, could be individualized ways to utilize the funds. Personalized gestures demonstrating your commitment to their success in secondary transition can make a significant impact.