Paducah Public Schools staff gathered on March 13 for a day of professional development that focused on Transition Services. Transition Services are supports designed to help students with disabilities achieve success after graduation.
The professional learning opportunity brought together state and community partners to provide training on important transition topics including Medicaid waivers, guardianship and legal considerations, family advocacy resources, and evidence-based practices that support students as they move from school to adulthood. The day concluded with a bus tour to all three Easter Seals West Kentucky facilities.
"Last Friday, we saw what’s possible when schools, state partners, and community organizations come together with a shared purpose," said PPS Director of Special Programs Sarah Anthony. "Our staff walked away not only with valuable knowledge, but with a deeper understanding of how to better guide students and families through the transition to adulthood.”
Funding for the professional development was provided by a grant from the Kentucky Department of Education. The KY Transition 360 SPARK (Supporting Postsecondary Achievement and Resources for Kentucky Students with Disabilities) grant awarded $75,000 to 20 public school districts across the commonwealth to strengthen transition programming and improve post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.
KY Transition 360 is a comprehensive effort to improve post-school outcomes for students with disabilities through enhanced transition programming, systems of supports and interagency collaboration. Through KY Transition 360, family mentors work to strengthen the connections between families, schools and communities. The program builds local and state partnerships across systems to support students in achieving postsecondary success.