Pre-ETS Collaboration in Virginia

Shared Responsibilities

Thanks to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), transition services for students with disabilities have expanded. WIOA also reinforces the shared responsibility for providing these services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) had previously required school personnel to connect with outside agencies and service providers, but WIOA now also requires this collaboration from state agencies as well. This alignment between the two laws emphasizes the importance of transition services, and highlights shared responsibility between schools and VR to prepare students for the transition from high school.

Communication

Successful partnerships need clear and consistent communication. We can only work if we communicate easily and effectively. Some key considerations for successful communication include avoiding jargon and acronyms, providing context and reminders, and developing a consistent plan for ongoing communication.

Collaboration

To truly share the responsibility of providing transition services, we must be able to collaborate. One of the key requirements of WIOA is for pre-ETS services to enhance but not supplant school-based transition services. This cannot happen without effective collaboration. To collaborate effectively, we must share information, define roles and responsibilities, and identify resources, needs, and strengths.

Coordination

Coordination puts both communication and collaboration to work in context. True and effective collaboration comes easily when a team can review services already provided, lean on each other's knowledge and strengths, and keep effective practices and student outcomes at the center of every conversation.