Swimming pools are closing, the crayon section is picked over, and early bedtimes are back. As the school buses roll in, we thought it might be a good time to share what’s new with our partners at school. Making sure we know what’s happening in schools ensures we are informed and effective team members. It also helps us serve transitioning students more effectively.'Working with Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation': Fact Sheets for Our Partners (and us!)
Did you know that CCLC also supports teachers and schools? We have been collaborating with our partners at VR and the Indiana Department of Education to develop fact sheets on topics related to vocational rehabilitation for transition-aged youth, their teachers, and families. This updated "Working with Indiana VR" series includes lots of new information on Pre-ETS, Order of Selection, and what to expect.
Read through these fact sheets to gain a better understanding of how students transition from school to adult services and to learn what schools and teachers are doing regarding referral and eligibility. You can also use the Students and Families fact sheet to share with families and transition students. Use the links below to download the fact sheets:
- Information for Teachers About Student Referrals
- Information for Students and Families: Choosing a Career and Finding a Job
- Frequently Asked Questions from Teachers
Changes to the Certificate of Completion
Our friends at the Indiana Department of Education want you to know about changes to the Certificate of Completion. In 2016, 16% of students with disabilities exiting the school system received a Certificate of Completion, rather than a high school diploma. With students entering high school this year (2018-2019 school year), there are higher expectations to ensure that students receiving a Certificate of Completion gain employability skills and develop paths to employment or postsecondary education.
These increased expectations include:
- greater emphasis on academic goals,
- readiness to enter the workforce, and
- the ability to access the workforce without a high school diploma.
As an employment professional, how does this impact you?
- Students will be better prepared for employment. Employability skills are an integral part of each student’s individualized education plan. Additionally, a student’s goals must align with grade-level standards and curriculum of diploma track students.
- Each student will graduate with a transition portfolio, which could be a helpful tool for you to use during Discovery and job development. The Department of Education is working on some sample portfolios, and we’ll share those with you as soon as they’re available. You can take a look at those, so you’ll know what to expect, but also so that you can teach potential employers who will want to know what to look for in a student portfolio.
- Every student should be working toward grade-level standards and should be receiving appropriate supports to progress in their education. Learning what is effective in school will be helpful as we look toward employment in the community.
Resources
Want more information on changes to the Certificate of Completion?
Certificate of Completion: Spread the Word: https://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/specialed/certificate-completion.pdf
Coffee Talk (learning about changes to the Certificate of Completion from the Indiana Office of Special Education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q44eTf4cv-8&feature=youtu.be
