1. Center for Change in Transition Services Website: http://www.seattleu.edu/ccts Email: ccts@seattleu.edu Phone: 206-296-6494

2. Focus: 2006-2007 Post-school outcome data research. Technical assistance, training and resources. Comprehensive Transition Project. Agency collaboration and linkages, other state needs projects, families and youth.

3. Post-school Data Research Post-school data collection began in early 1980s, moved to statewide efforts in 1996, now census. Washington unique in requiring post- school data collection in 2000, including teachers in the research and building to census over ten years. Federal requirements for all states beginning with 2007 special education leavers (graduates & dropouts). Goal of program improvement.

4. What Outcomes Are Collected? Post-school Goals (measurable postsecondary goals) Postsecondary education Postsecondary training Employment Independent Living when appropriate Agency linkages & connections Medical/Health Insurance

5. What Outcomes are Correlated to IEP Goals? Postsecondary education 4-year 2-year Vocational/technical colleges Training Employment (including supported employment) Agency linkages

6. What is Number of Youth and Contact Rate for 2005 Cohort? 239 districts reported (96%) 8 did not report N = 4,070 Contact = 3,180 (78%) School districts use the data for the LEA application for special education funds. Required for SPP/APR.

7. Transition Training Regional trainings with multiple district participation and greater than 35 participants ESD 105 (9 districts) ESD 113 (12 districts) ESD 112 (9 districts) NCESD (19 districts) Teleconferences K-20 Website

8. Transition Project: Purpose A deeper understanding of the connection between in-school services and programs and post- school outcomes to inform training, technical assistance, programs, practice and policy.

9. Transition Data Model Areas of Influence Early Determinants Ongoing Implementation Completion and Post-School Outcomes System Variables Student Variables

10. Transition Project Criteria for selected districts: Participated in post-school outcome research over the last seven years. Average contact rate 70% or higher. Quality participation in post-school outcome research (few errors, met timelines, etc). Review post-school data and use for program improvement. Participated in transition cohort training over the last two-three years.

11. Districts Selected Bellevue Burlington-Edison Central Valley Centralia/Chehalis Colville Highline Longview Richland South Kitsap Walla Walla Wenatchee Yakima

12. Responsibilities & Activities Project coordinator. Project team. Data collection (post-school outcomes, data from IEPs, transcripts, other). Pilot on-line post-school survey. Pilot data collection for dropouts.

13. Questions: Do youth have better post-school outcomes if: They are involved in the IEP process? Parents or families involved? Consistent IEP case manager? Clear and consistent post-school goals? Assessment to identify and support post-school goals? Annual goals are related to the post- school goals?

14. Do youth have better post- school outcomes if: Course of study to support the post- school goal? Career exploration program component? Work-based learning component when appropriate? Language/Math for goal of college? Career tech courses for goal of vocational/technical college and/or employment?

15. Information from the Transition Project will: Provide deeper understanding of issues at the building and district level. Inform training, technical assistances and resources for Washington. Assist in statewide data collection on all special education leavers (including dropouts) and use of on-line survey. Provide support, technical assistance and plan of improvement for 12 districts.

16. Challenges District leadership, including principals and superintendents. Teacher training, pre-service and in- service. Teacher perspective, High academic standards. Access to career technical courses. Community based work experiences. Developing the IEP.

17. Contact Information Cinda Johnson, Ed.D. cinda@seattleu.edu 206-296-5888