In the fall of 1999 and winter of 2000, the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) monitored the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Special Education Program for compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its implementing regulations. The OSEP found that some Arkansas school districts were not sufficiently involving outside agencies in the Transition Planning Process for students with disabilities.
As a result of this finding, the ADE Special Education Unit, in conjunction with its network of Transition Consultants, will conduct training this fall designed to enhance and improve the participation of local education agencies in the Transition Planning Process. The training will be presented in two parts, with one-half day focusing on Transition Planning and Agency Involvement, and one-half day on Agency Fest. During Agency Fest, teachers will have a chance to meet local agency personnel and talk to them one-on-one.
This training will be of great benefit to special education teachers, especially those dealing with transition-age students (ages 14 and older) and school counselors.
For more information about the dates, locations and times of the Transition Training and Agency Fest, contact the area Transition Consultant. Attached to this memorandum is a schedule of the training and the contact information for the Transition Consultant responsible for the training at that site.