Presenters: John & Martie Jensen Co-Coordinators L.I.V.E Services

LISD transportation has partnered with vocational services in a collaborative effort to create a positive environment for students that is cost effective, yet still provides for the needs of those students who require special considerations. This partnership effort has provided more varied job site opportunities and a greater ratio of paid employment. “We are here to help students not just live, but have a life.”

Blueprint of creating collaborative system between transportation & Special Education services Retiring and passing along valuable information We recognize this is a systemic state-wide issue

We have been told this couldn’t be done… How to break down silo’s? Does size of district matter?

1990’s- OJT 1999-Cedar Park High School-OJT & Supported Employment drivers & 1 job coach part time(no training). Continuous improvement team began Added Leander HS, gradually adding CATE, Transportation schedule developed. Full time job coach hired, and training began Dedicated buses added Present-5 High Schools, MS & HS Sports teams(swimming, golf, etc.), CTE classes, Vocational services.

Figured out a system needed to be put into place District was growing-current system was not using taxpayers money well We went to Transportation director Key players-Transportation Director, Special Ed. Director, and Assistant Superintendent of Finance

Collaboration & Communication is extremely important Prior planning prevents poor performance Vision in place-not formal Transportation schedule gave everyone structure Transportation figured out systems among transportation

Never told how to do job Transition coordinator Vocational teachers & staff Life Skills teachers & staff Special Education Director

Cost Routes Suburbans Resistance from Administration

Special Education Administrators Transportation Vocational service teachers & Staff Life Skills teachers & Staff Sports Team coaches CTE staff

Suburbans Weekly schedules Constant communication Proving cost effectiveness

District Students lives Employers Community-Wranglers & local businesses Families Administration

We now know that we have buy in from the stake holders Not just about islands, it’s everyone working toward a common goal Continuous communication