Assessment Toolkit

Authentic Person and Family Centered Planning Practices

Person centered practices call for students to think about what their future will be. Thoughtful planning will require teams to ask students what activities they want to be doing, where they want to be living, and what ambitions they have for the future. Goal setting should be a priority, and planning these goals should be person-centered, with students considering their thoughts and experiences as what matters most in this process. Stakeholders should consider:

Has the student been afforded the opportunity to learn about their strengths and interests? What have they learned?
What activities does the student want to experience in order to reach their goals for work, education, and independent living?
Who in the student’s life knows them best? How can those individuals assist with goal setting?
How can the adults involved help facilitate self-advocacy of the student?

Check out this great overview of tools for person-driven planning!

What do person and family centered planning practices include?

A transition team can assist the student in taking charge of planning by making sure that the student:

Explore their personal interests and preferences in and outside of school
Lead all parts of their IEP meeting
Advocate for what should and should not be in their transition plan
Select courses in high school that match their strengths, interests, and goals
Plan activities, clubs, or programs that the student can join in the community

What do person and family centered planning practices include? Image

What Can Person And Family Centered Planning Do For Students?

When transition teams support students and families, they will have...

Academic Options

Knowing what courses and training programs exist that will prepare the student with the skills and knowledge the student needs based on their interests.

Employment Options

Exploring different careers and knowing which options match the student’s strengths, interests, goals, and personality.

Living Options

Understanding different future living options and how to make them happen based on the student’s strengths, needs, and goals.

Self-Advocacy

Speaking up for what a student wants and needs through a student-led IEP meeting ensures the student’s plan is always about goals now and in the future.