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Volume VI Newsletter, Fall 2009
Mt. Abram Student Attends GEAR UP Youth Leadership Summit
Conferences and Events with a College-Going Focus
Lawrence and Junior High School articles, What is a Math Teacher/Coach exactyl? & GEAR UP in the News featuring Janet Avallone
New Career Center at Portland High School
Play Ball!
Old Town High School Uses Virtual High School to Expand Opportunities for Students
Three GEAR UP Schools Take Home the Prize
Transition Planning in Washington County: Creating a "Web" of Support
Maine Content Literacy Project Update
Photo Gallery

Web-Only Content:

Transition Planning in Washington County: Creating a "Web" of Support

“Transitions” was the topic of a recent workshop for educators planned and facilitated by GEAR UP, the Washington County Consortium and the Maine Transition Network/Downeast. Thirty-five educators and service providers gathered at the University of Maine at Machias on April 30th to focus on the importance of preparing all students for transitions into high school and on to college and careers. The intent was to bring educators, community and college student services providers and community organizations together to make connections and share ideas for strengthening and coordinating support for students on their journey through the transition process.

Educators spent time in school teams discussing their current status regarding transition planning for students. They focused on questions concerning student supports, parent engagement, career awareness and college expectations. Team members identified gaps to address and questions to ask in the break out session.

The second part of the workshop consisted of three break out sessions focused on career awareness, college expectations and student supports and planning. Representatives from Adult Education, Washington County Community College, University of Maine at Machias, Upward Bound, Vocational Rehabilitation, Maine Parent Federation and Maine Transition Network/Downeast and GEAR UP shared information and resources. Participants had an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns

Participants returned to their teams to share what they learned and to discuss next steps. Teams reported out on an action they planned to take to strengthen the transition process for students in their schools.
The plans that were shared included:

• Forming a team of 8th and 9th grade teachers to develop a plan for the transition into high school;
• Making more contact with parents;
• Providing more support, information about college and careers and transition planning to students through the advisor/advisee program;
• Starting personal learning plans through guidance;
• Utilizing the transition planning process developed by the Maine Transition Network for all incoming 9th graders;
• Connecting with Maine Parent Federation and the Maine Transition Network and other organizations that provide information and support

The workshop ended with participants identifying what they would like for follow-up/additional support to help implement their plans and networking over lunch.

What people thought about the workshop:

• “ A great opportunity to begin this discussion with teachers at my school”
• “I appreciated hearing the perspectives of high school and middle school guidance counselors and administrators.”
• “An opportunity to collaborate with organizations that have the same goals”
• “It gave me a different perspective seeing the variety of programs forming a “web” of support”.

Volume V Newsletter, Winter 08/09
Newsletter Insert - MELMAC Grants, Community Service at Machias Memorial High School, EdGE in Washington County

Volume IV Newsletter, Winter 07/08
Newsletter Insert - Why Should I Use Technology in My Classroom? & College Goal Sunday

Volume III Newsletter, Fall 2007

Volume II Newsletter, Spring 2007
Newsletter Insert - Resources that Regional Technical Assistance Coordinators & Maine Parent Federaton can provide to schools and districts.

Volume I Newsletter, June 2006