High Road School of Peoria Staff Visit Partner Schools to Support Student Transitions
Strengthening Student Transition Through Partner School Visits
Staff from High Road School of Peoria recently visited two partner high schools. The goal was to better understand the environments students transition to and from as part of their educational journeys.
The visits included tours of Dunlap Community High School and East Peoria Community High School, where High Road staff observed classrooms, met with administrators and support staff, and learned more about each school’s programs and services.
The visits were led by Shannon Hines, director of High Road School of Peoria, alongside members of the school’s resource team. At Dunlap Community High School, Hines was joined by Stacey Wilson, IEP coordinator, and Kathleen Giacomelli, school counselor. At East Peoria Community High School, Wilson participated alongside Brandy Tjarks, behavior support specialist, and Nicolle Sherwood, school counselor.
Observing Programs and Classroom Environments
During the visits, the team gained insight into how each school supports students in special education programs. Staff observed how some programs allow students to move between general education and specialized supports while also noting differences in classroom structure, student independence, and the language used with students.
How School Visits Support Student Transition Planning
These observations help High Road staff better understand both the starting point for students entering the program and the expectations they will encounter when transitioning back to their home schools.
“It was really helpful to see the environment students are working to transition back to,” said Hines. “Seeing this helps us plan and support students as they prepare for that transition.”
Why Student Transition Planning Matters for Schools
According to Hines, the visits also provide valuable context for the school’s administrative and resource teams when planning transitions.
“It gives our team insight into when a student may be ready to transition back to their home school,” he said. “It also helps us understand where they are coming from so we can better tailor how we support them when they arrive.”
Expanding Partnerships to Support Student Transitions
Following the initial visits, High Road School of Peoria plans to continue expanding the initiative. The team plans two additional high school visits and has begun outreach to junior high school partners.
By building stronger relationships with partner schools and gaining firsthand insight into the environments students experience, High Road School of Peoria aims to support smoother transitions and more coordinated support for students.
