How can you prepare to address transition for students who are DHH?
Transitions are a big part of every high school student's academic career-I feel even more so for our students who are DHH. This is due to the fact that most of our DHH students will not have a "traditional" transition from high school to post secondary schooling. It's crucial for educators of the deaf to be fully prepared to create the right transition plan for their DHH students. One way you can prepare is to be fully aware of what is expected in a transition plan. DESE has many resources you can go through to help you gain this knowledge. A second resource would be your Special Education Director; they can answer questions or direct you to a good place to find the things you will need. One should take plenty of time to learn what is expected and to review these items before you begin to an transition plan. The most important way to be prepared is to sit down and have a discussion with the student and their parents and find out what they want. This should begin once the student has enter high school. It's important to keep in mind the wishes of the parent but also find out what the student is interested in as well. Finding a happy middle is ideal!.
What do you think is important for students to learn as they prepare to graduate?
Some things I think are important for students to learn as they prepare to graduate are: college isn't the only answer. Just because that's what their peers are doing or that's what mom and dad did doesn't mean that's what is right for that particular student. Everyone has their own strengths and weakness and likes and dislikes as far as career paths. I feel it's important for these students to be told all options available to them. The student should be allowed time to explore their options; find out what they like what they don't like. The student also must learn how to be independent and experience some life skills tasks. You want to do everything in your power to fully prepare the student for life after high school-whether that is college, a job, or whatever they want.
I like how you mentioned the different resources we could explore to help us prepare for transition with our students. I agree that one of the most important things we can do to prepare for our students for their transition is to have an open discussion with the student and the parents. This will give us idea of what steps we need to take to prepare the student to have a successful transition. I like how you talked about the students having other options, besides just moving onto college. It is very important to discuss the students strengths and weakness of the student to find a transition option that is realistic and meaningful to each individual.
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