Demystifying Transition Assessment

Authors: Colleen A. Thoma, Ph.D., Ronald Tamura, Ph.D.
Higher Education, K-12

This practical guide demystifies the what, when, why, and how of collecting transition assessment data—and using the results to help students with disabilities prepare for adulthood. Includes ready-to-use sample forms and a quick-reference guide to more than 90 transition assessments!

• Product Details
• Table of Contents
• Reviews
• Contributors

Overview

Assessment is the cornerstone of every good transition plan. Now there's a book that demystifies the what, when, why, and how of collecting transition assessment data—and using the results to help students with disabilities prepare for adulthood.

Developed by two respected transition authorities, this practical guide prepares education professionals to use today's best assessment tools and strategies to identify which transition approaches really work. You'll discover how to:

• choose assessments appropriate for each situation and student
• apply best assessment practices in 7 key areas (see sidebar)
• collect the right data at the right time
• implement evidence-based practices that meet IDEA requirements for transition assessment
• make the most of informal assessments and formal performance-based methods tailored to each student's needs
• translate assessment results into better, more personalized transition IEP plans

To help you find the assessment tools that best meet your needs, the book includes an invaluable quick-reference guide to more than 90 transition assessments and which areas they assess. You'll also follow case studies of a teacher and two students as they navigate the transition assessment process, and you'll get sample forms for assessing student skills and goals, enhancing transition IEPs, helping students plan for college and employment, and much more.

Essential for every transition specialist and educator, this book will be your trusted companion as you make sound decisions about assessment; ensure individualized, person-centered transition plans; and support students' post-school goals and dreams.

Strengthen transition assessment in 7 key areas:

• Academics
• Self-determination
• Employment
• Community living
• Postsecondary education
• Recreation and leisure
• Health care

The book is part of the Brookes Publishing Transition to Adulthood Series

Reviews

Caren Sax, Professor and Chair, Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, & Postsecondary Education; Co-Director, SDSU Interwork Institute, San Diego, CA

• “Shed[s] light on the importance of using assessments through the lens of self-determination and person-centered thinking . . . offer[s] practical strategies that are user-friendly for individuals, their families, and the professionals who support them through this critical transition to living quality adult lives.”

Gary Clark, Professor Emeritus, University of Kansas

• “The mark of a quality publication for me is to have the thought, 'I wish I had written this.' This book expands existing information on transition assessment as well as synthesizes a growing body of literature on this topic. I highly recommend it.”

Authors: Colleen A. Thoma Ph.D., Ronald Tamura Ph.D.
Series Editor: Paul Wehman Ph.D.
Board Members: Renee Cameto Ph.D., Teresa Grossi Ph.D., Barbara Guy, Debra Hart M.S., Peg Lamb Ph.D., Richard L. Rosenberg Ph.D., David W. Test Ph.D., Michael L. Wehmeyer Ph.D.
Chapter Authors: Edwin Achola M.Ed., Christina C. Bartholomew Ph.D., Elizabeth Battaglia, Kimberly S. Boyd M.T., Lyman L. Dukes III, Roberta Gentry, Joseph W. Madaus Ph.D., James E. Martin Ph.D., Mary E. Morningstar Ph.D., Cynthia A. Nixon, Karren D. Streagle Ph.D.