Passport to Success:A Collaboration Between

Agencies

Initial Partners

• Bellevue School District

• Workforce Development Council, King County

• D.S.H.S. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

• WorkSource Redmond

• Center for Change in Transition Services, Seattle University

History• Post school data collected in Washington

State indicated less than 50% of special education graduates had established linkages with agencies in their communities.

• Data indicated that teachers were unaware of WorkSource services.

• Data indicated that “DVR” was identified as a linkage on the IEP but little efforts were made to connect students.

History, Continued

• WDC, King County, grant available.

• Grant was written by the Center for Change and Bellevue School District.

• CCTS provided technical assistance, training and research.

• WDC personnel provided additional support.

• DVR provided technical assistance and support.

Student Goals

• Students in special education in will utilize WorkSource services.

• Students will connect with DVR and other community agencies/resources while still in school.

• Students will develop a plan for life after high school.

• Post-school outcomes will increase for student in special education.

Student Activities

• Participate in Job Hunter workshops at WorkSource.

• Participate in “Project Me.”

• Participate in Magellan vocational assessment.

• Develop a portfolio.

• Complete Passport.

• Final Presentation.

Staff Goals

• Educators, WorkSource and DVR personnel will: • Participate in training opportunities.• Collaborate to share information about

agencies.• Collaborate to replicate model.

Year 1: 2002-2003

• 1 High School – Sammamish

• High School selection – • 12.8% K-12 Special Education

• 4.6% GraduatesPost-school status report, 2003,

www.seattleu.edu/ccts

• 3 classes, 30 students

Year 1: Lessons Learned

Teachers - pre-teach curriculum. Students - limited community

knowledge & awareness. Professional partners - different

language and understanding of agency. Continue juice and cookies. Build relationships. Student pride in program

• T-shirts, brochures, Passports, Program symbol, “thank you” notes

Year 2: 2003-2004

• 5 Bellevue High Schools (50-75 students).

• 6 workshops at WorkSource (per school).

• Year long project.

• Internships, community assessments.

• Employer Fair for students (spring).

Year 2: Goals

• In-service to partners.

• Monthly meetings • WorkSource and school staff prepare

for youth visits.• Technical assistance team reviews

progress, provides updates and problem solves with teachers and WorkSource instructors.

Year 2: Lessons Learned

• Knowledge of agencies increasing.• Staff connection facilitates student

connections.• Planning team is critical.• Intense administrative support.• Collaboration of resources. • Community involvement.• Continue juice and cookies (building

relationships).

Year 3: 2004-2005

• Passport to Success replicated with 7 teams across Washington.

• Two day training on curricula, vocational assessment (Magellan) and action planning.

• Follow up technical support.

7 Teams

• Hoquiam

• Yakima

• Wenatchee

• Arlington

• Mount Vernon

• Evergreen, Vancouver

• Seattle

Results to date: Youth

• Graduates have employment contacts in the community upon leaving schools.

• Employment before graduating.

• Unforeseen positive family affect.

• Potential decrease of drop-outs.

Results to Date: Staff

• Staff have developed working relationships that have increased collaboration and student support.

• Staff understands strengths and limitations of the other agencies.

• Students witness staff coordination and collaboration.

Percentage of Students in Special Education Enrolled in Post-Secondary Education from 2001-2004: Comparison of Bellevue SD &

Washington State

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Enrolled inPost-SecondaryEd.

Enrolled in Post-Secondary Ed.

44% 31% 44% 33% 52% 30% 54% 29%

BSD State BSD State BSD State BSD State

2001 2002 2003 2004

Percentage of Students in Special Education who are Employed after High School from 2001-2004: Comparison of Bellevue SD &

Washington State

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Employed

Employed 74% 59% 44% 57% 46% 53% 54% 55%

BSD State BSD State BSD State BSD State

2001 2002 2003 2004

Rate of Students in Special Education that are Engaged from 2001-2004: Comparison of Bellevue SD & Washington State

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Engaged

Engaged 89% 74% 72% 73% 72% 70% 81% 73%

BSD State BSD State BSD State BSD State

2001 2002 2003 2004

Percentage of Students in Special Education who had an Agency Connection Recommended on the Final IEP from 2001-2004:

Comparison of Bellevue SD & Washington State

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

AgencyConnectionRecommended on FinalIEP

Agency ConnectionRecommended onFinal IEP

62% 56% 64% 57% 87% 68% 95% 73%

BSD State BSD State BSD State BSD State

2001 2002 2003 2004

Website Information

• http://www.seattleu.edu/ccts

• Exemplary Practices• Puget Sound ESD • Bellevue

Contact Information

• Dr. Cinda Johnson

Seattle Universitycinda@seattleu.edu

• Jennifer MarshDivision of Vocational Rehabilitation

marshjl@dshs.wa.gov