What is Transition Planning? |
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The main purpose of transition planning is to assist students develop skills and behaviours needed for a successful transition to life as an adult.
Core elements of an effective Transition Plan
- Transition Planning needs to be person-centred and tailored to the individual. It must identify who the individual is and what they want to do with their life - their hopes, dreams, interests and goals.
- Transition Planning is a multi-year process. Life planning does not happen over night, nor is it achieved in the space of a year. It is an ongoing process that must be reviewed regularly.
- Active student participation in transition planning process (including participating in the Individual Learning Plan process) is essential. Students who take an active role in the planning of their own lives are more likely to achieve their goals. This includes providing teenagers with opportunities during their pre-adult years to make real life decisions that affect their future.[1]
- Transition Planning is a collaborative process. As the African proverb says, "it takes a village to raise a child." No single person or agency is responsible for transition planning. Successful planning is a cooperative and collaborative process between the student, their family, schools, service providers and other community supports.
- Transition Planning needs to be incorporated into Individual Learning Plan process. If utilised appropriately, Individual Learning Plans provide a structure that can support effective transition planning as well as a mechanism to elicit input and collaboration from government and community agencies.
[1] Johnson, JR 2004, Transition Planning Workbook for Families & Students with Disabilities, accessed 19/11/2007, http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~jrjohnso/SFTEP/modules.html
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