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Welcome to the first issue of Pre-ETS Newsbreak, your source for the latest Pre-Employment Transition Services information and resources!
Please note: blue underlined words in the sections below represent hotlinks you can click on for more information.
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What is Pre-ETS?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) recommended that Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS) serve high school youth with disabilities much earlier than before with a new set of services called Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). Perhaps the most amazing characteristic of Pre-ETS is its collaboration between high schools and VRBS. The WIOA wants schools and VRBS to work together to deliver Pre-ETS within the educational setting. The change is relatively radical for VRBS because their model of service is one based on serving individuals through a vocational plan. VRBS still delivers those case services, but they now emphasize the delivery of Pre-ETS in the school setting. The case services work in conjunction with the school's transition services and are based on individual need. In fact, high school students with disabilities do not have to be VRBS clients. Pre-ETS are open to all students with disabilities, even those who have no intention of applying to VRBS. The Pre-ETS are limited to those students turning 16 in the upcoming academic year up to their exit from high school.
There are five categories of Pre-ETS Services: Job Exploration Counseling; Work-Based Learning Experiences; Counseling on Opportunities for Enrollment in Comprehensive Transition or Post-Secondary Education; Workplace Readiness; and Instruction in Self-Advocacy.
Important note: Any paid work opportunities for students must be in a competitive and integrated setting. Internships, unpaid work experiences, job shadowing and volunteer experiences must also be in an integrated setting.
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What is the Pre-ETS TAC?
A new resource is available for transition services in Montana. Through a contract with Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services, the Pre-Employment Transition Services Technical Assistance Center will provide training, technical assistance and resources to schools and VRBS around Pre-ETS. There is no charge for these services.
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Who are the Pre-ETS TAC team members?
Ellen Condon, Project Director Theresa Baldry, Project Coordinator Kim Brown, Project Coordinator Mary DiBiase, Project Coordinator
Roger Shelley, Project Coordinator Marsha Sampson, MSU-B Center for Inclusive Education Debra Miller, MSU-B Center for Inclusive Education John Keener, MSU-B Center for Inclusive Education Abby Cooper, Subcontractor Isaac Baldry, Subcontractor Contact information: Ellen Condon Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities 52 Corbin Hall, University of Montana Missoula, MT 59812 (406) 243-4134 |
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What is the Pre-ETS Newsbreak?
The Pre-ETS Newsbreak is your chance to stay on top of what's happening with Pre-ETS in Montana. The online newsletter will feature:
- Highlights and Promising Practices from around the State
- Resources in the Five Pre-ETS Categories
- Employment Apps and Websites
- Learning Opportunities
- Frequently Asked Questions (and the answers to those questions)
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q:Do schools need to develop ongoing activities in all five Pre-ETS areas?
A:Yes. Schools should target activities in all five Pre-ETS areas but VRBS recognizes that schools will build their Pre-ETS programs over time.
Q:Are the Pre-ETS Events a one-time activity or ongoing?
A:Activities are expected to be ongoing. Examples could include: An ongoing transition class; creating a community-based work experience program; teaching an ongoing soft skills curriculum; creating an 'exploration of employment in Montana' class or an exploration of postsecondary education options in Montana.
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Learning Opportunities:
April 7, 2016
8:30 AM-12:30 PM MT
Billings, MT
This session will introduce participants to strategies that enable them to envision the possibility of community employment for everyone; assist in identifying interests, aptitudes and skills of people with significant disabilities; illustrate how to include all students in work-based learning opportunities; and provide strategies for approaching employers to negotiate a job for an individual with a disability. While this session will focus on students with significant disabilities, the content will be applicable for all students who need some flexibility and creativity to be successful in employment.
April 7, 2016
12:30-4:00 PM MT
Billings, MT
Presenters Abby Cooper and Roger Shelley and members of the Pre-ETS Technical Assistance Center team will meet with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and/or schools to strategize how the information and strategies shared in the morning session can be incorporated into school work plans with VR and identify additional technical assistance, training and support needed from the Pre-ETS TAC.
April 12, 2016
1:00-2:30 PM MT
During this webinar, the presenters will describe assistive technology (AT), both high- and low-tech, to help young adults with disabilities succeed at school and at work. Ideas for funding will also be shared.
April 14, 2016
10:30 AM-12:00 PM MT
Matching students with work experiences in rural communities may be a rewarding experience for not only the student, but the community, too. In this webinar, learn techniques for employment matching and community engagement in our rural Montana communities. Materials and worksheets will be provided.
May 11-13, 2016
Great Falls, MT
This conference will provide information to assist in exploring and understanding employment options. Employers, job seekers, educators, families, and program staff are encouraged to attend.
April 19, 2016: Libby (RSVP by April 12th at 5:00 PM)
April 21, 2016: Polson (RSVP by April 15th at 5:00 PM)
9:30 AM-2:30 PM MT
Cost: $30 per person, payable to "NCILS/MYTransitions"
For youth who are new to the job market, understanding soft skills is a difficult but important step in their growth. To support these students and young adults, and the professionals who serve them, the Montana Youth in Transition Project has developed a youth-oriented soft skills curriculum. The course includes free access to the MYT Soft Skills Curriculum (including updates), with a variety of activities and exercises proven to engage and motivate youth and young adults to enter the world of work, with a focus on effective communication and personal decision making. This training is appropriate for anyone supporting youth in preparing to be or who are currently employed. The MYT Soft Skills Curriculum also demonstrates techniques for teaching students with a wide variety of learning styles and abilities.
To register for either of these sessions, please email mylfjuneh@bresnan.net with "Insert Name of City Soft Skills Training" in the subject line. In your message, include the names of individuals attending the session and the name of their employer. Please include information about how payment will be made and if your agency will need to be invoiced. 4 CEU credits (OPI) and 4 SWP/MFT/LAC credits will be available.
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Your Turn!
What kinds of Pre-ETS technical assistance does your school need? What training topics would you like to see the Pre-ETS TAC address? What other information ought to be included in the Pre-ETS Newsbreak? Please send your ideas to Kim Brown.Thank you!
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This project is funded in whole or in part under a contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Department.
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