Collaborating For Student Success TWS Region 2

In our final episode, we come back to the table to take a look at the progress on the action plans developed during our last visit and share next steps to sustain the collaborative efforts.

As we culminate this 3 part series, we’ll hear from a few of our teams regarding their progress in achieving their goals. We will listen to Laura Villarreal, Program Specialist for Transition Students for Texas Workforce Commission as she expands on the great work that has been completed during this process.

We will also hear from Meagan Orsag from Texas A&M University as she summarizes the value in the journey.

Lastly, we will hear once again from our dynamic team as they dive through some of the survey results gathered from the participants.

In the 2nd episode of our series, We capture the work completed during the follow up session with Dr. Pattie Noonan from Kansas University, author of Transition Teaming: 26 strategies for Interagency Collaboration, facilitated a working session comprised of 160 transition related personnel and Vocational Rehabilitation counselors. In this session, Dr. Noonan encouraged teams to


Orient new members to the team’s vision and activities

Reflect and discuss accomplishments and challenges

Develop strategies to overcome barriers

Understand assertiveness and conflict management strategies

Identify activities to complete in next 6 months

Schools and community agencies must work together to provide transitions services to secondary students with disabilities. That was the challenge faced by the Texas Workforce Solutions Region 2 Leadership Services led by

Jim Knauss, Deputy Regional Director Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Rosla Hocker, Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services Regional Transition Specialist

Sandye Cox ESC Region 10, Regional Transition Specialist

Carla Johnson, ESC Region 11, Regional Transition Specialist

In this episode, we get an inside look at how this Initiative began directly from Carla, Sandye, Rosla and Jim as they reflect on this initiatives humble beginnings.