Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contacts: Andy Crocker, 806-677-5600, abcrocker@ag.tamu.edu
Rachel Brauner, 979-845-1553, rbrauner@ag.tamu.edu
AMARILLO – “Successful Transitions for Students with Special Needs: What Resources Are Available to You” will be this month’s topic of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Military Program webinar on March 29.
The one-hour webinar will begin at 10 a.m. and is free and open to all interested, but registration is required, said Andrew Crocker, AgriLife Extension program specialist in gerontology and health, Amarillo.
Research has shown that all students, especially those receiving special education, who follow a carefully crafted transition plan are more likely to achieve postsecondary success, Crocker said.
Professionals aiding these students can craft these plans, but many may not be aware of the various resources available to ensure students’ successful transition, said Rachel Brauner, program coordinator with AgriLife Extension’s Military Program in College Station.
“Educators are required by law to create a transition plan for students receiving special education by the age of 16, but it is best practice to begin as early as middle school,” Brauner said.
So what are the available resources? How can professionals helping these students ensure all succeed in reaching their transition goals?
Dr. Lakshmi Mahadevan, an AgriLife Extension special populations specialist in College Station, will be the presenter and answer these questions. Her areas of expertise include career assessment, post-secondary options for individuals with special needs, special education and multicultural career counseling.
Mahadevan has over 10 years of experience in conducting face-to-face and online professional development with educators in Texas addressing various special populations-related issues. Her other activities include program evaluation, conducting workshops and presentations, preparing newsletters, creating webcasts and special interest web materials, maintaining and supervising the design of online modules, maintaining websites, liaison with stakeholders and experts, preparing evaluation reports, and providing technical assistance.
Brauner said the objectives of this interactive webinar will help answer these questions by introducing attendees to:
– Career and technical education programs of study that allow for creation of dual credit and credentialing opportunities.
– Best practices for working with Individualized Education Program committees on transition plans.
– State agencies that provide support for students in transition.
The webinars offered through AgriLife Extension’s Military Program provide professional development and interactive resources for those who may not be able to leave their homes for training, Crocker said.
The Military Families Learning Network Military Caregiving concentration will apply for continuing education credit from the University of Texas School of Social Work for credentialed and licensed professionals. Certificates of completion will also be available for participants interested in receiving training hours.
To join the session or for more information go to: https://learn.extension.org/events/2922.
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