Functional transition assessment

Functional Transition Assessment attempts to integrate the student into the work force while the student is still in high school. It provides a temporary bridge or support structure for the student making the transition from an educational to a vocationalenvironment. Although all students can benefit from such support, for students with disabilities such a program can prove especially critical. Also by incorporating vocationaleducationearly on to the student’s high schoolcareer, Functional Transitional Assessment can instill a sense ofresponsibilityin the student and confirm the practicality of the student’s education. Thus, in can act as motivational tool to succeed in the classroom and in workforce.

In your opinion, how important is self-determination for the Exceptional Student Education student in accomplishing his/her educationalgoals?

The Exceptional Student Education student may often feel that he or she has been denied the ability to exercise much autonomy and control over his or her daily life, even when under the guidance of well-meaning parents and educators. It is critical that students, to function effectively in the workforce and in society, achieve a sense of autonomy and independence through reasonable, self-determined actions and choices throughout the educational process.

Why do you think occupational guidance has become progressively and increasingly more prominent in high schools?

The workplace has grown more competitive, technical and specialized in nature, thus there is more pressure upon students to specialize earlier and earlier in their educational careers. The price of a college education has also escalated, causing many students to turn to specifically vocational and technical schools after high school. Students may also wish to seek internships and part-time jobs to fund their educations that convey relevant skills and knowledge to their future full-time careers.

Personal-Social Skills. In your opinion, how important is it for a student’s future success in the transition to the work force?

Emotional Intelligence, or the ability to work well with others, and to be sensitive to other persons’ needs is a critical aspect of vocational success. It is not enough to know how to perform a task. One must know how to perform to one’s best ability in an organizational context.