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circles-parent-brochure-.docx|
What are the benefits of the CIRCLES approach to transition planning?
CIRCLES leads to improved student outcomes and increased utilization of community and government resources. Other positive benefits include: · Increased student involvement in the transition planning process; · Opportunities for students to develop and practice selfdetermination skills; · Improved connections between IEP transition plans and resources outside of the school; · More effective use of community and government resources and staff time; and, · Enhanced understanding among services providers, agencies, and schools about available programs and services for students with different needs. |
PROVIDING
TRANSITION
PLANNING
SERVICES
EVERYTHING
PARENTS
NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT
CIRCLES is a new way of doing something we’ve been doing the hard way for years. If you want to know more, or have questions about your child’s participation in CIRCLES, please contact:
Randa Sfeir
Secondary Transition Specialist
OISD Special Education Department
Phone: 4096972180
Email: [email protected]
What is CIRCLES?
CIRCLES (Communicating Interagency Relationships and Collaborative Linkages for Exceptional Students) is a planning model for connecting transition services to students with complex needs that are related to disabilities and other factors in their lives.
As required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), transition services are provided by schools and agencies outside of the school system to help youth with disabilities make a successful shift from school to adult life. These services target three areas:
· Postsecondary employment,
· Postsecondary education or training, and
· Independent living.
In CIRCLES, a team of school staff and representatives from agencies or community organizations come together to meet with you and your child to discuss ways in which they can provide resources and supports that will assist your child in achieving his or her postsecondary transition goals.
What You Can Expect
Before the Meeting:
· Your child’s special education teacher will work closely with him or her to develop a presentation about your child’s strengths, needs and future goals.
During the Meeting
· Your child will meet individually with the CIRCLES Team to give his/her presentation. Teachers, parents or guardians, and anyone else you or your child invite may attend the meeting.
· Your child will tell the team members what her or his goals are for after leaving high school and the type of support s/he needs to achieve these goals. School and agency staff will then talk with you and your child about what services they can offer to support your child in reaching her or his goals.
· At the end of the meeting, the CIRCLES team will provide information about next steps, including contact information for agency members and step by step instructions for moving forward.
After the meeting:
· Your child’s special education teacher will receive meeting notes and instructions on how to follow up. Goals or services discussed at the meeting will be integrated into the student’s IEP transition plan as appropriate.
How You Can Help
In preparation for your child’s CIRCLES meeting, talk to him or her about:
· Goals beyond high school.
· Future employment plans and interests.
· Training and education needed beyond high school to achieve goals.
· Types of support needed to be successful in living as independently as possible.
Please encourage your child to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with representatives from all of these agencies at one time. It’s time to think about the future and ask for the support needed to succeed.
Your support and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Let’s work together to help your child succeed!
