2016 TASH Conference

The federal policy framework has seen big changes recently. The Every Student Succeeds Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act have expanded the importance of early career development opportunities for youth beyond the typical IDEA transition planning. Research shows that all youth need opportunities to identify their interests and values, explore career and postsecondary options, set goals and make decisions about their future, and develop skills for planning and managing their own career development. This session takes participants from research to practice by sharing innovative strategies and practices from real programs for engaging youth in career development. The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth has identified numerous research-based and promising practices over the past 12 years as a part of its online Innovative Strategies database, its research-based guides and publications, and its technical assistance work with various youth programs nationwide. Participants will understand the basic policy framework for career development established by ESSA, IDEA, and WIOA. Participants will leave with a list of resources, directory of innovative programs, and new ideas to support career development strategies and practices that support all youth. Participants will also get a chance to share their own strategies and success stories and gather othersŸ?? expertise during facilitated discussion.