Parent Resources | lesa-transition-site

Every person experiences transition throughout his or her file - the transition to a different classroom, new building or from school to community are processes that all students go through, and represent a major change in the student's life.

You, your family and your student are approaching a challenging and exciting time in life - it is an important time for students and families to plan, and make decisions about their post secondary future.

What we know about transition:

Transitions occur at many times throughout our lives
Transitions are likely to be stressful
Transitions are made easier with planning
Transitions are a time of growth

What is presented below are resources for consideration and planning that will hopefully make this process more manageable and productive.

Who can help me with transition planning?

Your student's case coordinator, IEP team, and the LESA Transition Coordinator assigned to your school.

When do we start transition planning?

Beginning at age 14, the IEP must include a statement around the student's course of study; at age 16, there must be a statement of transition services based on the student's post secondary vision. Livingston County schools all support having a full transition plan written into the IEP when a student is in 8th grade, but discussions may begin earlier.

What areas just be covered in transition planning?

Independent living
Career/Employment
Post Secondary Education
Training

My student is receiving a Certificate of Completion or Transition Certificate instead of a diploma - what does this mean?

In Michigan, there is only one recognized diploma, it is endorsed by the state and based on the Michigan Merit Curriculum. In order to receive the diploma, students must take a rigorous set of courses that outline mandatory areas. Districts set the remaining credits needed, and can utilize a Personal Curriculum to assist students with disabilities in meeting these guidelines. More information on resources for post high school programming for students not earning a diploma can be found below as well as on the Resource Links page.

More information can be found at:

www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Complete_MMC_FAQ_August_2014_467323_7.pdf Michigan Merit Curriculum FAQ

www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/PC_Guide_1_2015_482101_7.pdf Personal Curriculum Guide

Can my student attend college without a high school diploma?

Students can apply to community colleges without a high school diploma, but will be required to take entrance tests in order to assess their readiness to begin college level courses. A common assessment is the Accuplacer and also the ALEKS (math); and practice tests/guides can be found online:

https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students/accuplacer-tests

If your student is considering attending a post secondary education setting such as a community college, it is important to know that once a diploma is issued, a student's entitlement to an IEP ends. Supports are still available for academic settings, with laws goveringin 504 plans and Americans with Disabilities Act taking over to ensure accommodations for students.

The major difference is that a student must self-identify the need for support and provide documentation around their disability to the post-secondary institution. The following links may provide further help in making this transition:

What are MRS services and when do we contact them?

MRS, or Michigan Rehabilitation Services, is the vocational rehabilitation agency for Michigan, and is housed with the Department of Health and Human Services. Transition Counselors are assigned to work with students with disabilities, beginning while they are in high school, to assist in looking at job and career options.
Ask your student's case coordinator for more information on MRS sponsored work based programs and how to receive a referral for services.

What services are available for my student if they do not receive a Michigan endorsed diploma?

Students with eligibility for an IEP, and who do not receive a diploma, are eligibile for education based services through age 26 in Michigan; options will be discussed at your student's annual IEP, but questions can be answered by the LESA Transition Coordinator at any time.
Livingston County residents receive post high school services at Livingston Educationl Service Agency's Adult Transition Services. Classroom and community based activities are designed to prepare our young adults with disabilities to lead independent lives as they enter the adult world. For more informaiton, contact: Kris Ressiguie, Director of LESA Special Education Programs (517) 540-6875.

Will I need to become my child's guardian when they turn 18?

Families are naturally concerned about what will happen when their child turns 18, or when the parent is no longer around or able to advocate and monitor the care of their child. Legal guardianship and alternatives should be considered well in advance of your student's 18th birthday. The Arc of Livingston and Communnity Mental Health are both excellent resources to begin exploring options and deciding what will work best for your student and family (see reource links on following page). These decisions should be communicated with your student's teacher/case coordinator to assist in transition planning.

Further resources and links: