At Norwayne we believe that transition planning should begin as early as possible. We want our students to be exposed to different careers and start thinking about their future. In the elementary we do this informally with career day speakers and junior achievement programs. We want to set kids up for success with conversations about their interests and strengths helps to promote confidence and engagement. Getting students to look at careers and the different pathways to their possible career choices is an essential part to the educational development for our students. Developing an individualized plan that looks at "What is Next" after graduation will allow our students to be prepared productive members of their community long after their time at Norwayne ends. Starting in 6th grade we develop transition plans for our students depending on their chosen careers. The ideas and plans noted below are just a general overview and do not encompass every possible service or activity. All transition plans are based upon student assessments that help individualize plans to the students preferences, needs, interests, and strengths in a chosen career. Assessments range from formal questionnaires to informal conversational meetings with students and parents.
Although there is no formal plan developed for our students in the elementary we do expose them to different career opportunities throughout the years. Volunteers com in for career day to speak about their careers and in 2nd and 4th grade. Junior Achievement program takes place in grades 3-5 throughout the year where parent and community volunteers come in to lead lessons for the students. Community service personnel talk to the younger grades yearly about safety and other aspects of their careers. Teachers are encouraged to take their lessons and connect them to the real world with different scenarios and careers on a daily basis.
Transition planning starts in 6th grade for our students at Norwayne. We develop individualized transition plans for our students receiving special services in the areas of post secondary education, employment, and independent living. Below are a few of the services and activities our students and parents are exposed to in 6th grade.
The transition plan is continued into 7th and 8th grade where students either keep their desired plan and narrow choices or decide upon a new career path based on research and their desires from the previous year. Below are a few of the services and activities our students and parents are exposed to in 7th and 8th grade.
As students embark on their high school career the transition plan remains and is now at the point where we hope to hone in even deeper into a career. Students schedule classes which is important depending on their pathway to ensure they remain on track for their future career. Below are a few of the services and activities provided to our students entering 9th grade.
At this point in their transition plan we hope that students have settled on a career or two and have several different pathways in mind to accomplish this goal. We continue to develop and hone in on the students plan while providing the services and activities below.
Students are nearing the end of their time in high school and it is imperative to have a plan in place for "What is Next." Transition plans continue to be tweaked and adjusted to fit the students changing needs. Services below are provided among other opportunities.