Transition Tool Box

This section provides tools and resources such as checklists, how-to guides, helpful hints and brochures, to assist students, families, schools and community agencies in developing and implementing effective transition planning and services. These tools, frequently developed by local schools, community agencies, and families in collaboration with the Transition Coordination Sites (VESID’s primary technical assistance network for transition planning and services) are among the favorites when preparing youth with disabilities to live, learn and earn in the community as adults. This is a new link, currently under construction. Check it out often, as new tools will be added in the near future.

• Transition Team Series Brochures are a series of brochures describing the roles of various participants in the transition planning process. Participants include: Committee on Special Education (CSE) Chairpersons, Administrators, Special Education Teachers, General Education Teachers, School Counselors, School Psychologists, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Students and Parents. (These brochures were developed by a Transition Coordination Site. They are only available from this site and in PDF format only.)
   

• Strength Based Assessment is a tool helpful in facilitating structured discussions with the student, school and family when planning for the future. The information assists in the development of transition services in the Individual Education Program (IEP). It can also identify services and activities that the student my need to succeed as an adult.

• Integrating Transition Planning into the Present Level of Performance provides as checklist of factors to consider when developing the Present Levels of Performance Statements for students in the process of transition.
   

• Transition Team Planning Guide provides a framework for structuring discussions around transition planning and services. The worksheet format allows for recording of key concepts and action steps for individual students as agreed upon during discussions with the transition planning team. Available in Word or PDF Format.
   

• The Functional Capacity Skills Checklist provides a framework to assist job coaches, educators and employers in evaluating student skills as they relate to employment. Available in Word or PDF Format.
   

• IEP Quality Indicator Checklist provides those involved in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning process with clear and practical guidelines to assist in developing present levels of performance, projected post school outcomes, annual goals and short term objectives, recommended programs and services, coordinated set of transition activities, placement decisions, and methods for reporting progress to parents. Items specific to student post school transition are identified in italics. Available in Word or PDF Format.
   

• The District/VESID Articulation Agreement is a protocol that provides for effective coordination between school district personnel and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors from the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID). It clearly defines the relationship between school district staff and the VESID Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor as they mutually plan the referral, documentation sharing and feedback process for students with disabilities.
   

• New York State graduation requirements are provided in a graphic representation for quick reference. Information to assist students in determining if they are on track to graduate in four years is indicated as are alternative options and suggestions to assist students in obtaining a high school diploma.
   

• Diploma requirements are provided based on Regents action to phase in the 65-graduation standard on required Regents Exams. Information is also provided regarding the different types of diplomas.
   

• Handbook for Implementing a Comprehensive Work Based Learning Program According to the Fair Labor Act as published by the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) provides guidance to schools regarding requirements and best practices around operating work based learning programs.