The Stakes Are High
School transitions are challenging for all students. For students with behavior intervention plans, how you prepare and present behavior data can shape their experience for years to come.
Why Transitions Fail
Before discussing best practices, let us understand common transition failures:
Data Dump Problem
Sending hundreds of pages of raw data that no one reads. Receiving teams need synthesis, not volume.
Label Transfer Problem
Leading with behavior history creates bias. New staff may treat the student based on past rather than present.
What Receiving Teams Actually Need
1. Function, Not Just Form
What need does the behavior serve? A one-sentence FBA conclusion is more valuable than pages of ABC data.
2. What Actually Works
Specific, actionable interventions with evidence of effectiveness.
3. Early Warning Signs
What does escalation look like for this student? What are reliable precursor behaviors?
The Human Element
Data and documentation matter, but transitions ultimately succeed or fail based on human relationships. Your role is not just to transfer information but to transfer hope.
Take Action
Put what you've learned into practice with these resources.
Key Takeaways
- Identify what information receiving teams actually need versus nice-to-have
- Present behavior data in context of developmental expectations
- Create student-centered transition summaries that empower rather than label
- Facilitate productive transition meetings that set students up for success
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About the Author
Dr. Sarah Mitchell consists of former Special Education Teachers and BCBAs who are passionate about leveraging technology to reduce teacher burnout and improve student outcomes.
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