Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together: Successful Collaboration Between VR and SCS District Learning Day Location goes here Jennifer Roberts- Bolton High School Harold Scott – Bolton High School Trina Weathers Boyce – Vocational Rehabilitation August 5, 2015

Do Now Communication Building Activity 1.Put team members into pairs. 2.One person from each pair should put on the blindfold. 3.The sighted people must guide their partners across the room and give instructions to help them avoid the obstacles. 4.Each team must reach the other side of the room.

Norms Be present and engaged. Be respectful of differences in perspective while challenging each other productively and respectively. Monitor “air time.” Make the most of the time we have. Stay focused on students.

Objectives What will participants: Know – Recognize the importance of VR process and the early transition planning for the lives of students with disabilities. Understand – Formulate an IEP and employment plan that supports maximum development of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for success in post-secondary education and employment.

Objectives Continued What will participant Do – Define the components of the transition process as well as the roles and responsibilities of both VR and SCS staff.

Context for presentation – Include the WHY and WHAT. Highlight any article, book, relevant research, or data to support your presentation

Successful Collaboration for Student Transition from School to Work How can VR and SCS effectively collaborate to ensure successful transition of students from school to work?

Role Play Activity VR Counselor, SCS staff, and student.

Reflection: MODELING What resonated with you? What is similar to your current practice? What is different than your current practice? What are you going to change as a result?

Successful Classroom Application How do we implement successful collaboration between SCS and VR How do we implement successful collaboration between SCS staff, students, and parents.

Case Study Activity Each group will have a scenario. Describe the VR referral process.

Reflection: Application What was easiest for you? What was most difficult? What else do you need to learn/do prior to applying to your classroom?

Closing

Revisit Objectives What will participants: Know – Recognize the importance of VR process and the early transition planning for the lives of students with disabilities. Understand – Formulate an IEP and employment plan that supports maximum development of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for success in post-secondary education and employment.

Revisit Objectives What will participants: Do – Define the components of the transition process as well as the roles and responsibilities of both VR and SCS staff.

Barriers Transportation Limited Family Support and Understanding Lack of Motivation Loss of Contact Solutions Public Transportation Support Services Technical and Skill Training Personal Adjustment Training Job Shadowing

Reflection: One minute paper on post-it Jot down your “Take-Aways” Consider what you need to know and be able to do to successfully implement what you have learned in this session. – What is still unclear? – What professional development or additional resources do you need?

District Contacts Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation 40 S Main/10 th Floor – One Commerce Square Memphis, TN (901) Department of Exceptional Children Shelby County Schools Bond Building, 2930 Airways Blvd Memphis, TN (901)