The Department of Public Instruction, Office of Special Education received a systems change grant to initiate transition services for students with disabilities from 1992-1998. During that time a Transition Steering Committee and Advisory Council was assembled to provide assistance to the State Transition Coordinator in compliance with the federal grant requirements. After the grant ended, the committee was disbanded for time.
The benefit of the committee was an apparent part of North Dakota’s success in developing strong and realistic transition services. Therefore, it been determined appropriate to combine the function and intention of the two previous committees into one: The Transition Steering Council. The council was reconvened to act in an advisory fashion regarding transition services for students 14-21 receiving special education as they prepare for life beyond high school.
Membership:
The membership of the council was to be comprised of a comprehensive group of 25 who were a collection of stakeholders regarding the transition systems. The Steering Council can provide practical reaction and information about student needs and the role of policy and implementation.
Recognizing professional and personal obligations, a limited commitment is expected: meeting only 4 times a year for one day in Bismarck, with expenses reimbursed at state rates, with rotating terms of two and three years.
Intent and Purpose of the Council: Responsibilities
- Advisory –to give and receive information between policies and practices as to what works and what doesn’t work (best practices).
- Networking –between council members and agencies
- Capacity building and problem solving – identify the issues and determine recommendations and solutions.
- Other – filling in the gaps and bringing issues to the table.
Mission of the State Transition Steering Council:
To work towards building, supporting, and sustaining community partnerships and systems that promote and improve the scope, opportunity and quality for youth with disabilities to adequately prepare for life and career beyond high school with the individualized necessary supports identified and in place before graduation/exit.
Other points to discuss: Level of formality, minute takers, meeting arrangements and facilitation.
Previous format: Level Of formality: Flexibility has been the consensus in the past. Membership will recognize when structure is needed for motions, recommendations, etc.
Minutes: Minutes are taken and rotated each meeting by members. Minute taker sends minutes to each member after compiled.
Meeting arrangements and facilitation: State Transition Coordinator will have the primary responsibility for meeting arrangements and facilitation.
Meeting Minutes: