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Specially Designed Education Services | Navigating Educational Transitions with Jane Singleton: Empowering Students with Neurodiversity

Navigating Educational Transitions with Jane Singleton: Empowering Students with Neurodiversity

In the field of special education, a combination of expertise and compassion is essential for guiding students and their champions toward successful journeys. Today, join me as I reflect on an enlightening conversation with Jane Singleton, an experienced professional with over 12 years in the field. She had so many gems to share with us in the last episode of the FAST 15 here at SDES.  With her background in psychology, communication studies, and special education, Jane brings a wealth of knowledge, offering guidance for academic and personal growth.

Insights from Jane Singleton

Empowering Neurodiverse Individuals

Jane Singleton is the founder of Launchpad for Life and she resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jane specializes in coaching neurodiverse individuals, and her expertise in special education helps enhance effective communication, cognitive efficiency, and self-awareness. Through educational workshops and programs, Jane creates supportive environments where neurodiverse individuals can thrive and succeed. 🌟

Student-Centered Approach

Jane emphasizes the importance of involving students in educational conversations and decision-making processes. By empowering students to actively participate in strategizing and problem-solving, Jane advocates for a student-led approach that fosters independence, self-advocacy, and confidence. 🤝

Building Self-Determination

In the journey toward successful academic transitions, Jane stresses the importance of recognizing and nurturing students’ strengths. Through positive reinforcement, celebrating small victories, and promoting self-esteem, she encourages a holistic approach that values individual growth and progress. 🛤️

Statistics on Graduation Rates for Youth with Disabilities

Recent data shows promising improvements in graduation rates for youth with disabilities. In the United States, the graduation rate for students with disabilities has steadily increased, now averaging around 67%. While this progress is encouraging, there is still work to be done to ensure all students have access to quality education and support systems. 🎓

Let’s take a look at one way to seek buy-in and ownership of self-directed learning in education:

Student-Led IEP and My Transition Portfolio 

Conducting a Student-Led IEP

An effective way to empower students with disabilities during educational transitions is through a student-led Individualized Education Program (IEP). By involving students in the planning and goal-setting process, educators and parents can create a more personalized and meaningful educational experience. My Transition Portfolio by Barb Blakeslee Beck provides a valuable framework for guiding students through transition planning, helping them identify goals, strengths, and areas for growth. 📚

Steps in Conducting a Student-Led IEP
  • Self-Awareness: Encourage students to reflect on their strengths, challenges, and aspirations. 🧠
  • Goal Setting: Collaborate with students to set academic and personal goals based on their needs and interests. 🥅
  • Transition Planning: Create a roadmap for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living, tailored to the student’s preferences. 🗺️
  • Skill Development: Support students in developing essential skills like executive functioning and self-advocacy to navigate transitions successfully. 🛠️
  • Family Collaboration: Foster open communication and partnership between educators, parents, and students to ensure a cohesive support system. 👪

To learn more about about My Transition Portfolio and to get the resources for yourself, check out My Student-Led IEP.

Highlighting Specially Designed Education Services

In special education, Specially Designed Education Services (SDES) is a dedicated provider of comprehensive programs for students with moderate to severe disabilities. By focusing on data-driven, evidence-based approaches, SDES empowers students to live independently, achieve academic growth, and enhance their overall well-being. For more information about SDES and their innovative programs, visit www.sdesworks.com. 🌟

Navigating educational transitions for students with disabilities requires a comprehensive approach that values individual strengths, fosters self-determination, and promotes collaborative partnerships. By implementing insights from Jane Singleton and utilizing frameworks such as My Transition Portfolio, educators, parents, and students can work together to ensure a seamless and empowering transition process. Leveraging resources like Specially Designed Education Services allows us to support and uplift students with diverse needs on their educational journey. Let’s continue to champion the growth and success of all students! 💖

May you stay focused toward the end of the school year, friends!

All the strongest of strengths to you,

Barb Beck

Creative Content Director, SDES

©2024 Specially Designed Education Services

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Scheduling Tip

Find a student in your classroom who can read and understand your master schedule. Assign them a job in the morning to help set up individual student schedules. See the video of Megan setting up the schedule.
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Suzanne’s student Megan was her Teacher’s Assistant first period during her junior and senior year. One of her jobs, among other clerical tasks, was to set up individual student schedules. It saved Suzanne prep time in the morning and was a great vocational experience for Megan.