Transition Services Model: Partnership for Student Success

In 1995, the Southwest Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) of the Los Angeles County School District, and El Camino College pioneered a partnership to serve students with disabilities on the community college campus. SELPA transition services serve as a model for alliances between community colleges and school districts throughout California. Area students receiving special education services have an opportunity to pursue postsecondary education while completing high school requirements. Students attend college classes, participate in social activities, and learn life and employment skills. Students learn to be successful at achieving goals through SELPA partnerships. The school district and community college alliance, activities, and services are described, using program theory as the means of identifying the flow and sequence of the program.