Transition Portfolios for Students with Disabilities: How to Help Students, Teachers, and Families Handle New Settings - Paperback

by Maryann Demchak (Author), Robin G. Greenfield (Author)

"This book on transition portfolios provides state-of-the-art information on transitioning needs of a wide range of students with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. Filled with practical ideas and strategies, this book supports the efforts of teachers and families to help the student progress successfully through the educational experience."
June Downing, Professor
California State University, Northridge

Students with mild to severe disabilities have special needs, including specific ways of learning and communicating. Teachers learn these cues and use them to effectively teach their students, but the lessons are often lost when the student moves to a new setting. This user-friendly guide helps teachers create a transition portfolio that will accompany the student to new classrooms and schools, and convey special needs, accommodations, and other vital information to a new team of teachers.

Transition Portfolios for Students With Disabilities offers practical details on gathering critical information, including tips on what to include, sources, and timelines. It also shows you how to collect and include

• Educational components, including learning style, physical influences, and environmental influences
• Accommodations to instruction, environment, or materials
• Medical information
• Students′ communication styles
• Positive behavior support plans

The authors also include a section on how to collect personal information about students, as well as sample mapping sessions. They also provide easy-to-use charts and tables to help you develop a successful transition portfolio for your students with disabilities.

Author Biography

MaryAnn Demchak has worked in the field of special education for over 20 years as a classroom teacher, project director, and university professor. She has direct experience with individuals with severe, multiple disabilities and experience with those who have mild disabilities. Currently, she teaches courses in severe, multiple disabilities at the Univeristy of Nevada, Reno as well as directs a technical assistance project for students who are deafblind. She has numerous publications and conference presentations related to various special education issues (e.g., instruction of students with severe, multiple disabilities; planning for students with challenging behaviors).