The State Office of Special Education (SOSE) has been working with 2012 graduates on a survey measuring post high school outcome success rate, and the division’s director is encouraging participants to get the information in as soon as possible.
“We are seeking the assistance of former students ages 16-21, who had Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and graduated in 2012.” SOSE Director Jill Singer said.
The survey, which has been conducted since 2008, helps SOSE and the department to improve transition services for students with disabilities, according to a press release issued on Tuesday by the V.I. Department of Education.
The survey further helps track the progress of students with disabilities who could remain in the SOSE program up to age 21. After leaving secondary school, all students with IEP’s receive a summary of their accomplishments and transition needs along with their report cards. An evaluation of the students’ strengths and weaknesses, along with an educational plan for academic success, is also included.
The IEP summary is later transferred into a student’s Individual Transition Plan (ITP), a component of the transition program that the student needs to achieve desired post-secondary goals.
Previous post school survey results show what percentage of students with IEPs are: no longer in secondary school, have been competitively employed, have enrolled in some type of post secondary school, or both, within one year after leaving high school.
Singer also encouraged all parents of students with disabilities to take time within the next few weeks to participate in a short phone survey being launched this year by the University of the Virgin Islands Eastern Caribbean Center.
“This is just a 20-30 minute phone interview, and we would like parents’ input on the provision of special education and related services in their district,” Singer said.
The results of the surveys will be provided to the U.S. Department of Education in February 2014 and reviewed during a public meeting conducted by ECC and SOSE in June/July 2014. Copies of the full report will be available at that meeting, according to Singer.