Person-Centered Planning

[MUSIC PLAYING] Well, as the transition specialist for our district, I just think it's one of the most important things we do, especially for our students who receive special ed services. I think that a lot of times, parents-- and even people in the education profession-- tend to think of graduation as the end goal for all of our students. And in reality, graduation is just the beginning of transitioning to the next phase of their life, which is having an adult schedule and living as an adult in society. And that's what I love about transition services, is we get to dream and talk to families about those goals for life after we finish high school. That's my favorite thing. I think that when we have that ah-ha moment with a student and help them realize that there really is life after high school, it's so much better. And I love seeing that in kids when they get excited. And they finally realize this is why I'm here at school every day, because of what I have ahead. And it's so key. And I think that the point that you made about what the student wants to do, and helping parents be able to see their child's goals through the child's eyes is very important as well. And that's one other thing that I love about it is getting to see children talk about what they're excited about doing in their lives. Susan, what role do students play in transition planning in your district? They're the reason we do it. And helping a student realize this is their story and their time is so crucial. And I think so often, the kids are just told, this is how you go through school. This is your day. We've planned it all out for you. Your parents are telling you what to do. And when I sit down with a student and say this is your plan. These are your ideas. I want to hear what your hopes and dreams are. When we do a person-centered plan and realize that this is their meeting, and they tell us what their hopes and dreams are, it opens up a whole new world to them. And I think the thing that I really enjoy about it is being able to see a student feel empowered about being able to make choices, about being able to share their thoughts, and what is working for them in school. And what isn't working for them in school. And all of us working together to help this young adult get toward the goal that they've set for themselves.