It has been said that when you meet a child who does not fit into an educational setting, you have met just one child who is missing out on life’s single most important experience – the chance to learn. For more than six years much thought, research and study has gone into Transition UP’s philosophy and methodologies. We have learned a lot and there remains much to be learned. Here are some important ideas that Transition UP has been developing.

Every student who goes through the Transition UP Program needs to learn three things:

• Practicing the fundamentals of being a successful student;

• Knowing and embracing one’s self; and

• Balancing time devoted to academics, social relationships, and introspection.

 

While all students have assets and liabilities that they bring to school. We at Transition UP see ourselves as assets developers. We believe that one support program can not fit the needs of all students. Some students may need more one-on-one support while others may require more group intervention. For some it is social skill development that is crucial, while for others the advancement of executive function is vital. Tailoring each student’s program to meet their individual needs is fundamental to their success. Learning something, is like engaging in a give and take conversation, it is accomplished on two levels. First, there is the cognitive aspect of understanding what a conversation is all about. Second, there is a process of gaining ownership over what has been learned. Ownership, does not take place until that which has been cognitively acquired is sufficiently practiced so that it becomes part of the person’s being.

One can read about how to ride a bicycle forever, but until the learning is put into repeated practice it is notl truly learned. Transition UP has brought success to our students through a carefully balanced combination of individual coaching and group practice. However, real success is not achieved until new skills are performed in a variety of settings.