Many factors can impede a teacher’s connection with their students and the ability to collect transition assessments. Whether a student is in a virtual education environment, alternative educational placement, or experiencing chronic absenteeism, gathering transition assessments requires planning. Here are a few creative techniques that can help.

• The early bird gets the worm.

Build relationships with the student and family early. Reach out via phone the first week of school. Introduce yourself and communicate the need for consistent communication. Maintain the correct contact information since emails and phone numbers can change.

• Find the diamond in the rough.

Turn problems into an opportunity by including transition assessment questions in conversations. For example: “I noticed David isn’t coming to school often. Is he working or is there a career or job he is passionate about that we can work with him on to help him gain interest in coming to school?”

• Strike while the iron is hot.

Counselors and office staff often have paperwork required for school enrollment, so make transition assessments part of the welcome packet.

• Kill two birds with one stone.

During the first week of school, make transition assessments part of classroom “Getting to Know You” icebreaker discussions and activities.

• Old dog, learn new tricks.

Provide transition assessments through Google Docs or via a link that can be sent to the parent or student’s email or phone.

• Make hay while the sun shines.

While you’ve got a captive audience, collect student observations— during classes, clubs, sports, and field trips.

• It takes a village.

Give transition assessments to the student’s CTE teacher, school counselor, favorite classroom teacher, or community organization so these allies can assist in gathering assessment data. Often, the school social worker, liaison officer, or probation officer works closely with families and has knowledge to share.

• Call in the cavalry.

If students and parents are not responding after multiple attempts, a welfare check should go into place by the school liaison officer or local police department. Check with your school administrator on the proper protocols for a welfare check. As always, the health and safety of the student is the top priority.

Although it is the special education teacher’s responsibility to gather transition assessment information, this can be a shared process among school staff and parents. If you need assistance, or have a special situation that requires more guidance, please visit us at our weekly office hours every Thursday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. EST.

Happy Holidays!

Thanks for reading along with us in 2022! Tuesday’s Transition Tips will return January 3. We hope you have time to relax and get to enjoy some precious moments with family and friends during this hiatus. Join us again in 2023!

Stay safe, everyone!