1. Coach every student, along with his or her family, to think about goals for life after high school and to develop a long-range plan to get there.
2. Design the high school experience to ensure that the student gains the skills and competencies needed to achieve his or her desired post-school goals.
3. Identify and link students and families to any needed post-school services, supports or program before the student exits the school system.
4. Support the student to discover and explore areas of interest and understand strengths and weaknesses. Student will develop self advocacy skills in order to make informed decisions about their future; and through self-advocacy the students is able to express his or her preferences. A student's voice is critical to the transition process. (adapted from Storms, et, al. 2000)
Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School should thoroughly prepare all students for achieving his or her desired post-school goals. The student's IEP should reflect the services and supports needed to assist the student to gain the skills, experiences, and connections to make their post-school goals a reality. Transitional Services offer assessment, structure, and guidance to ensure that the student is prepared for the most successful transition from high school. Transitional Services address the following areas:
Philosophy of Transition
As a student prepares for studies at the postsecondary education level, they need to recognize and express their strengths and needs. It is a student's decision to disclose their disability and personal challenges at the post secondary education level. Student may share and disclose their IEP from high school and evaluations and assessments. The greatest change from high school to the postsecondary education level is the shift in responsibility from parent to the students.