About JFK’s Student Population…
Students at John F. Kennedy range in their abilities, as such their special education programs vary according to their needs and levels of functioning. Students can contribute to their communities in so many ways. Hence we focus upon developing some students for work after graduation and others for community based services and programs according to their needs.
The Transition Team…
The transition team consists of two transition teachers, job-coaches, guidance counselor, school social worker, a member of the Child Study Team and the school’s administrator. This team with the input of other school personnel, students and their families will be a decision making body and will ensure that students receive the necessary skills development to prepare them for post graduate adult, community and work life.
This team’s responsibility is to ensure our mission and commitment to students is carried out.
What is Transition?
Transition means passage or movement from one stage to another. In this case we’re talking about passage from school to work, or bridging the gap from dependence to independence, from a relatively protected environment to the larger community. “Any bridge requires both a solid span and a secure foundation at either end. The transition from school to work and adult life requires sound preparation in the secondary school, adequate support at the point of leaving school, and secure opportunities and services needed in adult situations”.
The New Jersey Special Education Code on Transition (NJAC 6:28) offers the following definition: “The term “transition services”, means a coordinated set of activities for a student, designed within an outcome-oriented process, that promotes movement from school to post school activities, including post secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation. The coordinated set of activities shall be based upon the individual student’s needs, taking into account the student’s preferences and interests, and shall include instruction, community experiences, the development of employment and other post school adult living objectives, and when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluations.
Transition assumes that the local educational system is reasonable for providing not only quality educational opportunities but also coordinating with others services and activities designed to help the student move to a successful adult life.
How The Community Can Help Our Students…
- Businesses can provide paid and unpaid work experiences for students.
- Businesses may also allow students the opportunity to tour their site and observe different types of jobs.
- Agencies such as the ARC, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can provide vocational assessment, and job placement where possible.
- NJ Transit can provide travel training for students who are able to learn how to use the bus independently.
- The local Departments of Recreation can offer recreational and leisure activities for disabled adults.
- The Division of Developmental Disabilities can provide information and referral for parents of more disabled students to adult day care centers.