TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

Micki Webb, M.S.

Coordinator, Special Education

Charter Oak Unified School District

Micki webbmwebb@cousd.net

TAKE A DEEP BREATH…REMEMBER

… you are probably more nervous than your student

… Most kids experience many of the same transition issues

Why Discuss Transition to Middle School?

ALL students, but especially those with obstacles to overcome in their lives, benefit from being connected to school and community resources that can help ensure a smooth and successful transition

TeachersOther IEP Team MembersSchool PrincipalRegional CenterCounseling AgenciesBehavior Support AgenciesClergy or Other Spiritual AdvisorSiblingsExtended Family MembersFriendsClubs, Sports Teams, etc.

1. View transition as a continuous, year-long process2. Build relationships, communicate, and collaborate across settings (home/school)3. Promote continuity across settings4. Involve and prepare parents (That’s tonight!!)5. Prepare children, building needed competencies. (Kraft-Sayre & Pianta, 2000)

Principles of Effective Transition

Successful Transition Tip #1

• Help your student learn to identify him/herself

• Carry an I.D. card – include disability if you so choose, include medication information

• State name, parent name, phone number and address if possible

• DO NOT LABEL OUTSIDE OF MATERIALS!

Self-Identification Sample

What’s a Parent to do?

• Parent should also document and provide to IEP team any information student cannot memorize or carry on his/her person

• Current Medication Information• Equipment Needed• Current Health Information

• Allergies, Seizure Activity, etc.• Surgeries• Medical Procedures

Successful Transition Tip #2Person Centered Planning

From Elementary School to Middle School there is a shift of paradigm from compliance with requirements to the start of a journey to encourage students with disabilities to take control of their own lives and explore who they are and what is their dream. Picture Boards – magazine or book cutouts Brainstorm – careers, activities, hobbies, clubs and groups List – Things I Enjoy

Successful Transition Tip #3

• Prepare your student to participate in the IEP process to the fullest extent possible

• Provide to parent information about likes, dislikes, interests, goals, etc. that parent can share with the IEP team

• Attend and participate in person

Successful Transition Tip #4

• Help your student learn to self-advocate• Identify strengths (what I’m good at) and

weaknesses (what I need help with)• REMIND YOUR STUDENT THAT WE ALL

HAVE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSS AND SHARE YOURS

Self-Advocacy Sample

TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

ORGANIZATION IS KEY! Monitor planner, Communication Log, Behavior Reports, etc. Help organize and clean out backpack DAILY Use websites/email to make sure work is being turned in Keep a family calendar (teaches days of week, planning, etc. & reduces

anxiety due to unknown upcoming events & activities) Keep a consistent homework schedule Encourage independence, but remember they are not yet independent!

TRANSITION ACTIVITIES - MIDDLE SCHOOL

Meet and Greet Days Back to School Night Visit School website IEP Meetings as necessary or needed Share your middle school experiences

RESOURCES: Regional Centerhttp://www.sgprc.org/ It’s My Life: Middle School http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/middleschool/ For students with Visual Impairments & other disabilitieshttp://www.perkins.org/resources/scout/gardening-and-horticulture/

TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL

• AGAIN….relaaaaax! I know it’s scary that your “baby” is going to be in high school. But, this too, shall pass.

Thank you for participating!Questions