The document discusses the purpose and components of 18-21 transition programs. The key points are:
1) 18-21 transition programs are located in community settings to provide intensive transition training for students ages 18-21 as they prepare for life after high school.
2) The Boulder Valley School District's 18-21 program has three components: Pathways for higher support, Bridges for less support, and Employment Services to help students gain work experience.
3) The goal is to simulate a weekly schedule and assist students' transition to adult independence through workshops, community experiences, and agency connections.
4. “ Community-based transition programs are developed by public school systems but located in age-appropriate settings for students who are ages 18-21. The purpose of 18-21 programs is to provide intensive transition experiences and training in real-life settings. An important feature of 18-21 programs is that the students do not go to a high school building on a daily basis; instead, they spend their time in community-based settings.” www.transition coalition.org
5. “ Keep in mind that the district responsibility is to identify post-school goals, prepare the student for the next environment, and link him with the next appropriate services.” Barb Palmer
6. One of the major goals of our program is to collaborate with each student and family to simulate a weekly schedule similar to the one the students will have at age 21
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8. To access BVSD’s 18-21 services a student must have completed the academic credits required to receive a diploma. In addition, the student must agree to attend a minimum of 5.5 hours of instruction per week. Additional hours are decided by the IEP team and based on the need(s) of the student.
9. The transition to adulthood is perhaps the most complex of any we encounter. The paths we select have consequences for the remainder of our lives. Transition programming for youth with disabilities is a focus of attention at the Federal level through several laws. One of the most notable is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) The IDEA defines transition as a coordinated set of activities for a student designed within an outcome-oriented process with long-range goals in mind.
10. Our goal is to transition each student to the best possible level of adult independent living. Students will have the opportunity to: * experience self-respect and dignity * exercise choice and control over their lives * earn respect for their dreams and aspirations * experience freedom to form their own relationships Each student is dealt with on an individual basis according to his/her unique needs. Additionally, we know that students have a right to work for employers who appreciate them and who will compensate them accordingly. We want each student to learn that their abilities are valuable and that they can contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
13. How do we assist students? Access Boulder TEC or Community College Independent Living Workshops Social/Recreation Work Study Program Bus Training Community Agency Connections