Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

As you go through transition, it’s important for youand your IEP team to communicate well. The IEPmaps out what you will learn in school and what youneed to learn it. It tells your teachers how they canbest help you learn and prepare for what you willdo when you leave school. Your IEP could includegoals such as balancing a checkbook, improvingyour reading skills, or socializing with groups ofpeople. Depending on your goals, your IEP teamwill plan, step by step, how to get you there.Before the Meeting:• Get a copy of your IEP and go over it with your,caregivers, teachers or other trusted adults untilyou understand it• Ask questions about the parts you don’t understand• Think about what you want to do. Write out yourideas ahead of time, and practice what you want totell your team about your goals• Do your homework by learning what classes ortraining you need to achieve your goals• Invite someone you trust to attend the meeting toencourage and support you. It could be a relative,friend, guardian ad litem, or attorney• Be sure you get enough sleep the night before andeat a good breakfast the day of your transition IEPmeetingDuring the Meeting:• Discuss with your team how your disability willaffect your goals and plans• Know your strengths and your weaknesses• Focus your abilities and possibilities, but berealistic• Know your rights. What will you do if your IEP teammakes a decision you don’t agree with? Remember:If you have concerns, the law guarantees youanother meeting, and you have a right to a hearingif you disagree• Believe in yourself and your successDiploma OptionsOne of the choices a student must make is whattype of diploma to work towards. In Florida thereare several options:• Standard Diploma• Special Diploma Option One• Special Diploma Option Two** Some small districts do not offer an OptionTwo Special DiplomaStudents should consider the choices carefully.Often youth in foster care have been moved somany times that they are behind in high schoolcredits. Finishing school with peers by obtaininga special diploma sounds like a good idea. But,many former foster youth have been unpleasantlysurprised to learn that they have to take the GED inorder to get into community college.Special diplomas may or may not be accepted byvocational school, community college, or militaryrecruiters. Certificates of completion are notaccepted by community college, military recruitersand are not recognized by employers.Learn more at:• High School Diploma Options for Studentswith Disabilities: Getting the Right Fit.” (FDOE2004) English: http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/hs_options_ese.pdf. Spanish: http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/hsoptspa.pdf• “Diploma Decisions for Students withDisabilities,” http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/diploma.pdf.17Preparations