Kentucky's Future Takes Flight: New Institute Empowers Educators for Students with Disabilities

By Staff Reporter | Somerset-Pulaski Advocate

Image Courtesy of Kentucky Department of Education (C) 2025 All Rights Reserved

LOUISVILLE, KY (SPA)– In a significant initiative aimed at improving post-school outcomes for students with disabilities, the inaugural KY Transition 360 Summer Institute convened educators from across the Commonwealth from July 17-19 in Louisville. The comprehensive program focused on enhancing the preparation of students with disabilities for successful transitions into college, careers, and independent living.

The Institute’s curriculum featured a blend of whole-group sessions and targeted breakout discussions. A central tenet of the program was the exploration of the 23 predictors of post-school success, as delineated by the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative. This framework provided participants with a deep understanding of evidence-based practices and their crucial intersection with student data, fostering more effective and individualized transition planning.

Jason Wheatley, Director of Postsecondary Transition at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), emphasized the transformative nature of the collaboration. "Fostering collaboration, analyzing data trends, and sharing high-leverage strategies in special education is transformative because it unites educators, administrators, and stakeholders," Wheatley stated. He added that this "data-driven approach empowers tailored supports, closes gaps, and ensures post-school opportunities for students with disabilities."

The KDE hosted the institute through Tier 2 of the Kentucky State Personnel Development Grant program, an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. This grant program operates under the authority of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), providing essential funding to state educational agencies for the enhancement of personnel preparation systems and professional development within special education.

Looking forward, Wheatley confirmed that the federal funding supports the planning of two additional institutes over the next two years. "We’re excited about the success of our first KY Transition 360 Summer Institute and the impact it’s having on supporting educators and students with disabilities in Kentucky," Wheatley remarked. He further expressed anticipation for expanding these professional learning opportunities and exploring "new ideas and stronger partnerships to help educators prepare students for college, careers, and independent living."

The inaugural event saw participation from educators representing 14 diverse school districts and five area technology centers across Kentucky, signaling a widespread commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities throughout the state.