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Transition Center reports enrollment growth, community partnerships and plans to adopt new curriculum
Summary
District staff presented an update on the Transition Center for students ages 18–22, reporting growth from an initial seven students to about 30 and describing a new curriculum and community work experiences, including Project Life internships.
Staff from the Transition Center updated the board on program growth, curriculum changes and community partnerships that provide work and life-skill experiences for students with special education needs.
Sarah Richards introduced the Transition Center, which serves students 18 to 22 with individualized goals to increase independence. Beth Ingersoll said the program began in a small apartment with seven students and has grown to more than 30 students this coming year. "We go to the library, different places and spaces in our community... we work on nutrition and cooking," Ingersoll said, describing healthy-living and daily-living instruction.
Jenna, who oversees work experience, described unpaid community placements and an on-site work lab where students practice job skills. She said electives included "Safely Navigating Alexandria," parks exploration, budgeting class and dining-out practice; the program partners with Habitat for Humanity and other local nonprofits for volunteer opportunities. Staff noted a partnership with Alexandria Technical College for exercise science trainers and YMCA access to support student fitness and independence.
The presentation also included a short news clip about Butler Tech's Project Life program, an externally run transitional employment program that places interns at multiple job sites; staff said Project Life has been replicated in many districts and provides a model for on-site work training and classroom life-skills instruction.
Why it matters: The Transition Center provides postsecondary transition services required under special education law and depends on community partnerships and outside placements to expand students' independence and employment skills.
Next steps: Staff said the Transition Center will adopt a new curriculum and move to a new facility next year (site not finalized) and that changes will be phased in with training. Staff acknowledged logistical challenges this year related to moves and said they will continue to use community resources to support students.
