Question:

Hi Ms. Harvell,

Up to the end of last year, I taught elementary special education. This year, I will begin teaching at the high school level (SDC/LD class). My knowledge of local, state and the federal expectations in the area of Transition is so limited (almost nil). Could you tell me if the Diagnostic Center Northern California offers trainings on Transition related curriculum, laws, expectations, etc?

Thanks, Rose

Answer:

Dear Rose,

Our training year is off and running as I type. This year our center offers the following trainings related to Transition:

• “Working Smarter, Not Harder” – Secondary Teachers of Students with Learning Disabilities

This is an all day training with a focus on teaching educators’ information and strategies on core curriculum, Transition, and preparing students for life after high school.

• Juggling the Demands of a Functional Secondary Curriculum: Teaching Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities

This full day training prepares educators to connect Transition planning/activities with the daily curriculum and the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) Standards.

• Middle and High School Transition Portfolios

This full day training provides teachers with the tools to develop Transition activities that align with the California State Standards.

• The ABC’s of a Transition Functional Assessment Model (TFAM): Connecting Assessment to Transition Goals

This is a half-day training. Participants learn how to comply with IDEA 2004 Transition requirement related to the use of “appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate Transition assessment.”

In addition to these trainings, we offer the following web-based trainings:

• Transition Basics http://www.dcn-cde.ca.gov/dctrain/index.html

This training is for families, secondary-aged students, school and agency staff

• Understanding: Second 504 http://www.dcn-cde.ca.gov/504/504_index.htm

This training is an introduction to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Individuals visit this page to develop an understanding of the law, how it applies to educational programs and to students with disabilities.

Visit our DCN home page to see the additional trainings and services offered by our center.

Good luck this year!