Parents have the most influence on their child’s development and successful transition to becoming an independent adult.  You can continue to do many things now to help your child continue on his or her path to independence.  The school gives your child the tools of reading, writing and mathematics, but most of their experiences are gained at home.  You are the expert when it comes to your child.  You, your child and the school need to work as partners to ensure a successful Individualized Education Program.

Your child’s most important job is to be a student. Reading, writing, science, social studies and math are very important. Your child will learn good work habits by helping out at home, at school, in your community, in your church, or by volunteering at local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Any kind of work that your child does will help him/her learn how to relate to adults and peers in work situations.

Grades 6 – 8 have a more intense academic focus.  Students develop work habits that will stay with them the rest of their lives.  It’s time for them to start volunteering at school or in the community.  Help your child to recognize positive role models and make good decisions.  Children this age often give their parents the impression they either don’t want or don’t need them to be involved in their school, sports or community activities.  They often say they don’t care.  This is not true.  You still play a crucial role in their lives.

In 8^th grade, a 4-year plan is developed in a meeting at your child’s school by you, your child and a school counselor.  Now is the time to consider whether your child is able to meet the requirements necessary to earn a high school diploma.  Students unable to meet all of the high school diploma requirements may earn a letter of recognition.  All students who earn either high school diploma or a letter of recognition can participate in all high school activities including the high school graduation ceremony.

By law, your child has the right as a special education student to continue going to public schools until the year of his/her 22^nd birthday.  The 4-year plan may take more than 4 years to complete.

It is never too early for your child to begin collecting the best samples of his or her work and pertinent information in a portfolio.  A portfolio can be as simple as a file folder to keep important information. It could be a collection of videotapes, DVDs, CD ROMs, pictures of your child working, forms your child has filled out, awards and samples of your child’s best work each year. These should be saved in a portfolio. This portfolio can be passed on from teacher to teacher, or kept at home.

Click on the link below to learn more about how you can help your child get started on a portfolio.

Students: Grades 6 - 8 Table of Contents

Every year your child should take more responsibility for himself or herself.  This would include assuming more family, neighborhood and community responsibilities.  You will begin to see many changes as your child gets ready to enter high school.  Many students are apprehensive about changing schools and parents can assist with this transition.

There are more activities you need to do to further assist your child in transition.

Click on the links below to get started.

Family Activities to Support Transition

Related California Content Standards 6 - 8

Related California Content Standards