Transition Education and Services for Students with

Disabilities

Patricia L. Sitlington & Gary M. Clark

Grades K-8 in the Transition Process-

A Critical Foundation

C H A P T E R F O U R

Pertinent History

• 1991 Position Paper

• 1996 Position Paper

A Case for Filling the Gap, K-8

• Definition of Transition• A Look at the Early Childhood Transition

Mandate• Importance of Parents and Families• Students in the Transition Gap

Elementary and Middle School Transitions

• Middle school was designed to be a better transition for elementary students than junior high school.

• Transition can be overwhelming for students with disabilities.

Transition Education and Services, K-8

Identify future environment or planning areasList priority needs, interests, & preferencesPrepare the student for the IEP processDevelop the transition plan with linkagesImplement, monitor and review

Strategies for Integrating Transition Education in Grades K-8

• Grades K-4 Transition Strategies• Include Who I am & What will I be activities• Discuss how adults work & occupations• Discuss vocations/careers from readings• Select a student of the week & have that person

do a personal bulletin board• Discuss interests & talents & preferences• Plan field trips or include career info• Use guest speakers

Strategies for Integrating Transition Education in Grades K-8

• Grades 5-8 transition strategies• Service-oriented projects• Job shadow for a day• Research/study different careers• Use the internet• Guest speakers• Content-subject related careers• Visit CTC or other career programs• Use work opportunities in the school

Self-Determination Development in Grades

K-8

THE END