Yuma Union High School District hosted the first-ever regional workshop focused on post-school outcomes for special education students on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.

The eight-hour seminar took place in the district’s professional development room, and included teachers and administrators from YUHSD schools as well as a number of community organizations and partners, such as Yuma Private Industry Council, Arizona Western College, Raising Special Kids, Vocational Rehabilitation, Arizona Works, and Department of Developmental Disabilities. 

“Students are tracked one year after they are out of high school to see if they are meaningfully engaged,” YUHSD Executive Director of Student Services Suman Pangasa said. “We are looking to ensure if students are either working or in a college or trade school.”

The workshop was conducted by Jay Johnson, a transition expert from the Arizona Department of Education. Johnson provided insight for how YUHSD can better provide services through collaboration with community stakeholders. For teachers, it was an opportunity to take notice of what agencies provide and how they can be utilized to benefit students.

“It was a great day,” Pangasa added. “It’s making teachers aware of the outcomes for students who are transitioning out of high school and how to improve those outcomes.”