1) On the Transition Goals and Services page of the Arkansas IEP it states that a Transition Plan must be in place by the age of 16, but that it CAN be in place at an earlier age if determined appropriate by the IEP team. What are some instances when it would be appropriate to have in place at an earlier age?

Answer: Although it is mandated by Federal and State regulations that Transition goals and services be in place by the time the child turns 16, it is sometimes appropriate to have these goals and services in place at an earlier age. One example is if a student is a risk of dropping out of school before the age of 16. The IEP team might consider creating a set of goals and services that would provide this student with the supports and motivation he/she needs to stay in school. Another example is if a student is severely disabled the IEP team might think it is appropriate to have a set of goals and services in place that will ensure the student is getting everything he/she needs from all service providers to allow him/her the most positive post school outcomes.

2) What is the purpose of the Summary of Performance?

Answer: A Summary of Performance is a tool that is required to be completed and given to the student before he/she exits high school. It summarizes background information, post-secondary goals of the student, present level of performance in applicable areas, recommendations for accommodations in the post-secondary setting based on what was beneficial in high school and the student’s perspective on his/her disability, accommodations, etc. It is much easier for post-secondary service providers and employers to understand than an IEP and if the student has helped complete the Summary of Performance he/she will have greater knowledge and confidence when presenting the information.

3) I know there are new transition forms in the Arkansas IEP that were effective July 1, 2008. Does this mean I have to go back and revise the paperwork I completed for students from the ’07-08 school year?

Answer: No. The new forms that were effective July 1, 2008 only apply for paperwork that is completed after that date. You will not be required to re-do transition paperwork that was completed prior to July 1, 2008

4) I work for a small school rural school district. Is there a Transition Consultant that serves my school district?

Answer: Yes, every school district in Arkansas has a Transition Consultant that will provide you with information and trainings related to Transition. To find out who your consultant is, go to the Consultant contact information page on our website.

5) I heard that there is now a fee to use my Transition Consultant. Is that true?

Answer: Due to funding cuts at Federal and State levels there is now a small fee for Arkansas Transition Services. Each district is assessed an annual fee that entitles them to discounts on year round trainings and consultations. Districts that choose not to pay the annual fee for services are entitled to some basic training at no cost and additional trainings at full price. Contact your LEA Supervisor or Transition Consultant for more details.

6) I am a special education teacher and am interested in receiving training from my Transition Consultant. How do I make arrangements for this?

Answer: You will need to contact your transition consultant to make scheduling arrangements and payment for services.

7) I have heard of some type of monetary award available through Arkansas Transition Services. Does it exist and if so, what is it?

Answer: Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) is a transition-related subdivision of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and every year offers a $500 award to teachers with innovative transition programs. An application must be completed and submitted by the deadline. Contact your Transition Consultant for more details.

8) I am a special education teacher and would like to learn more about Transition. Someone told me I should attend the Arkansas Transition Summit, but I have to bring a team. What are examples of team members and if I can’t get a team together can I come by myself?

Answer:  Teams are required to attend to attend the Arkansas Transition Summit. Team members can include (but are not limited to) special education teachers, general education teachers, principals, parents, students, employers in the community, agency personnel (ARS, DDS, DSB, etc.), counselors, advocates and anyone who is a stakeholder in the lives of students with disabilities. A team is required because much of the Summit is built around team planning sessions. During these team planning sessions, teams assess the needs of students in their own communities and build plans based on those needs. We strongly discourage individuals attending the Summit alone. If you have difficulty getting a team together, contact your Transition Consultant and they’ll be happy to help!

9) I keep hearing people talk about Indicator 13 and the Indicator 13 checklist. What are these things?

Answer: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized on December 3, 2004 and its provisions became effective on July 1, 2005. In conjunction with the reauthorization, the U. S. Department of Education through the Office of Special Education Programs required states to develop six-year State Performance Plans in December, 2005 around 20 indicators, on which data will be submitted annually (beginning February 2007) in Annual Performance Reports. There are four indicators that are related to Transition: Indicators 1, 2, 13 and 14. Indicator 13 states: Percent of youth aged 16 and above with an individualized education program (IEP) that includes coordinated, measurable, annual IEP goals and transition services that will reasonably enable the student to meet the post-secondary goals.
The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center developed a checklist in order to help states collect data on indicator 13. The two forms Form A and Form B allow a school, district, or state to review the data for each item simultaneously across all postsecondary goal areas. The Arkansas Transition Goals and Services part of the IEP were developed in direct correlation with these checklists. The checklists and other valuable tools (including FAQs related to I-13) can be accessed at www.nsttac.org. If you would like additional information on Indicator 13 contact your Transition Consultant.

10) Can you provide me with samples of what a good transition plan looks like?

Answer: No, it is not the policy of Arkansas Transition Services to provide samples. We would
encourage you to utilize all of the resources available at NSTTAC, including their Indicator 13 FAQ’s, Data Collection Tool and all other resources listed on their site.

11) I am a high school special education teacher. What is the best transition assessment for me to use with my students?

Answer: Transition assessments are very important when it comes to developing Transition Goals and Services for students with disabilities. There is not however one assessment that will be the answer to getting all the information you need about your students. Transition assessment should occur regularly over a period of time and not just before an annual review. There are many types of assessments that can be done including career exploration, self-determination, independent living skills, learning styles and employability skills to name a few. Contact your Transition Consultant today for assistance in selecting assessments for your students.