SPS juniors and seniors with special needs invited to transition seminar
The last two years of high school fly by for SPS students. But for those with special needs, the transition to life after high school can come too soon. That’s why SPS Special Services is hosting a special seminar just for juniors and seniors with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
The BASE Transition Seminar begins at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, and lasts through the afternoon. The event is open to students with special needs who might need additional support in being successful after high school.
“This is an event we do every other year, and it focuses on presenting information relevant to life after high school,” said Leslie Callison, BASE instructor. “We hope this event encourages students to think about their post-secondary future and be better prepared for all levels of life beyond high school.”
The BASE Transition Seminar is free to participate, with transportation provided. To attend, students must submit a signed permission slip to their teacher.
BASE, or Business Associated Student Education, is a districtwide program specifically designed to help students with special needs be ready to enter the workforce after high school. In its 25th year, more than 1,000 SPS students with special needs have graduated from the life preparation program, receiving internship experiences at community partners like Mercy Hospital, CoxHealth, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College and more.
“Our focus is enhancing job skills and increasing student exposure to a variety of jobs,” said Callison. “We’re preparing students for living independently at some point of their lives, and we’re excited to help students be ready for their next step, whatever it is.”