RCSD Wins Special Education Model Transition Program Grant!

(June, 2007) Special Education Director Elizabeth Chappell and Assistant Director Kevin Stack, with the assistance of Guidance Counselor Chris Martin and Special Education Teacher Timothy Page, wrote a grant that has brought the District $700,000 to finance a “Model Transition Program” (MTP).

The grant will give the District the ability to introduce and infuse transitional activities and practices it has identified as critical to improving post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities. The transitional activities that become available with the grant include new collaborations and partnerships with local adult service agencies; more effective transitional planning provided by a district Transitional Coordinator; collaborations with two local college/universities to better prepare students with disabilities for college life; the development of local internships managed by our existing school-to-work coordinator that can be offered to students as young as 15; and improved communication of important information about transitional planning and services to our students and their parents/guardians. The district has identified 260 students with disabilities, who, over time, will benefit from the activities of the Model Transition Program Grant.

“This grant will assist our students as they leave school or ‘age out’ of our program,” explained Ms. Chappell. “The MTP Coordinator and the alliances with organizations like Maryhaven and the Cody Center will make a big difference.”

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