This website is designed to provide information, resources & links to support the transition of students with disabilities to post-secondary adult life for Utica Community Schools students, parents, staff & administration.

Transition sections are listed under "Classes" to the right & left. To be notified of updates click "Subscribe for updates" located on the left side of this page. Current topics of interest & articles will be listed under "News".

Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions, comments or suggestions as we navigate the Transition process, together.

Email: elizabeth.rogala@uticak12.org or
Phone: 586-615-6667

Sincerely,
Liz Rogala, Transition Coordinator

What are Transition Services?
Transition services are a coordinated set of activities, provided to the student by the school and other agencies, to promote movement from high school to adult life. The transition process prepares students for adult life by focusing on the areas of post-secondary education, employment, community participation, and adult living. Transition services are based on the student’s strengths, as well as preferences and interests. The development of transition goals should focus on and build upon what the student can do — not focus on what the student can’t do.

When creating a transition IEP, ask yourself these three questions:
1. Where does the student want to go? (Student's post-secondary vision)
2. Where is the student currently functioning? (Student's PLAAFP)
3. How will the student get where they want to go? (Needed transition services/transition annual goals)

Who Participates in the Transition Planning Process?
Transition services are an integral part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), beginning with the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16. For Utica Community Schools, students & parents are given the Student and Parent Transition Handbook. Beginning at the 9th Grade IEP, determining transition services is a task for all IEP team members, including the student, teachers, and parents. Genuine student and parent participation — active involvement in and contribution to the planning process — is critical to achieving good transition results.

According to IDEA 2004, an IEP must include postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and where appropriate, independent living skills. Transition assessments can be informal or formal. Informal assessment includes use of information already available to teachers (such as attendance records or grade reports). Assessment is used to provide academic and functional information about the student. Both formal and informal transition assessment provide present level academic and functional information about the student.

Informal Transition Assessments:
**Attendance Records
**Work Evaluations
**ACT Plan
**Disciplinary Records
**Career Exploration Results
**Aptitude Tests
**Progress Reports
**Transcripts
**Report Cards
**Documented Classroom Observations
**Student/Parent Interviews
**Interest Inventories

Online Transition Assessment Resources:
* PEPNet
* CareerKey
* Casey Life Skills
* Occupational Information Network
* Transition Coalition

Additional Transition Assessments:
* If you are on the homepage, click on "Link to Transition Assessment" then scroll down to "Class Downloads" for additional documents.

* If you are on the homepage, click on "Link to Transition IEP for Students & Parents" then scroll down to "Class Downloads" for additional documents.

* If you are on the homepage, click on "Link to Transition for Teachers" then scroll down to "Class Downloads" for additional documents.

* If you are on the homepage, click on "Link to Transition Resources/Agency Linkages" then scroll down to "Class Downloads" for additional documents.

* If you are on the homepage, click on "Link to Transition To College/Training" then scroll down to "Class Downloads" for additional documents.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) is a state agency within Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs who partners with individuals and employers to achieve quality employment outcomes and independence for persons with disabilities. Essentially, MRS helps people to prepare for, find, and keep jobs. More information is located at MRS.

Additionally, the Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) conducts vocational and technical training programs and provides the supportive services needed to prepare Michigan citizens with disabilities for competitive employment. Students attending MCTI have an open case with MRS. For more information about programs and entrance requirements go to: MCTI.

* If you are on the homepage, click on "Link to Transition to MRS" then scroll down to "Class Downloads" for additional documents.

Utica Community Schools
Liz Rogala, Transition Coordinator