What is Strategic Collaboration as it relates to Secondary Transition?

Strategic Collaboration is the process where schools create partnerships that strategically benefit their students in all three domains: postsecondary education, employment and independent living.

• FAST FACTS: Interagency Collaboration (2014) - Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

Why is Strategic Collaboration important?

Research has shown that strong strategic collaboration leads to better post-school outcomes because students receive necessary services and support while in school and are connected to adult service organizations before graduation.

What other laws support post-school outcomes for students?

In addition to the secondary transition mandate in IDEA (IDEA 34 C.F.R. § 300.320(b)), other federal legislation works to address successful transitions to adulthood for students with disabilities. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires education and vocational rehabilitation agencies to coordinate Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for transition-aged youth. The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act V supports career and technical education, including services for students both while in high school and after graduation. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures civil rights for individuals with disabilities in all domains of life, including access to reasonable accommodations in public and employment settings.

• Crosswalk: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (2021) (2021) - National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
• DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Administration of Pre-Employment Transition Services and Internal Controls Standard Operating Protocol (2023) - District of Columbia Department on Disability Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration (DCRSA)
• DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Pre-Employment Transition Services Policy (2020) - DCRSA
• Differences Between Secondary and Postsecondary Education – NTACT:C
• A Guide for Teachers/Educators for Collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Youth with Disabilities (2017) - NTACT:C

As an educator, where should I start?

Build an understanding of school, LEA, and state-level partnerships through community mapping activities.

• A Guide to Developing Collaborative School-Community-Business Partnerships (2015) - NTACT:C
• Resource Mapping and Flow of Services (2018) and Template Map - NTACT:C

How can I learn more?

Engage in self-directed learning opportunities.

• Interagency Collaboration: The Groundwork* - Transition Coalition
• Pre-Employment Transition Services: 5-Part Webinar Series (2021) - VRTAC-QE
• Secondary Transition: Interagency Collaboration - Iris Center at Vanderbilt University

*Free registration is required.

Student and Family Resources Self-determination means being able to make decisions for one’s life. Students need to be able to articulate who they are, their strengths, and what they may need in order to identify and then achieve their goals. Building self-determination skills is a critical element that families can help students develop, both within the IEP process and at home. I’m Determined Youth Resources and Parent Path to Success: Virginia Department of Education Let’s Talk About It: A Family Perspective (2014) - OSSE & SchoolTalk Self-Determination: Supporting Successful Transition (2003) - National Center on Secondary Education and Transition Special Education Hub – District of Columbia Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education Youth Transition Guide (n.d.) (available in multiple languages) - Open Doors for Multicultural Families

Local District Agencies and Organizations District government agencies and local community organizations support educators, families, and students through advocacy, collaboration, and services. For additional national and local organizations visit Parent and Community Resources for Special Education District of Columbia Offices and Agencies District of Columbia Department of Disability Services (DDS) and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) District of Columbia Developmental Disabilities Council District of Columbia Ombudsman for Public Education District of Columbia Public Schools Transition Services OSSE Division of Postsecondary and Career Education (PCE) Education Advocacy and Training Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc. Children’s Law Center District of Columbia Advocacy Partners University Legal Services Local Community Organizations BroadFutures Catholic Charities District of Columbia Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) District of Columbia Center for Independent Living District of Columbia Special Education Cooperative Health Services for Children with Special Needs SchoolTalk, Inc Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities

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