We are proud to share this guest post by Griselda (Grace) Aguirre-Garcia, Chief Operations Officer at the Institute for School and Community Partnerships at Texas A&M University—San Antonio, about the Burleson School for Innovation and Education, an adult transition program to meet the unique needs of young adults with disabilities who have graduated from high school and continue to require instruction in employment, education, training, and independent living.
The 18+ Adult Transition Program at the Burleson School for Innovation and Education is a charter school that serves students with functional needs and differing abilities from ages 18–22. These students are eligible for Individual Education Plan services that include instruction in the areas of employment, education, and independent living skills. The intent of the 18+ program is to prepare young adults with disabilities to transition from high school to adult life through a human centered approach as it pertains to their individual goals.
Performance outcomes include preparing students to live independently in their community, transitioning students from the public school system into sustainable, lifelong supports, preparing students to obtain competitive integrated employment, and the possibility of participating in post-secondary education or certification training.
The 18+ Adult Transition Program at the Burleson is an Edgewood ISD School of Innovation, but the program is open to students living outside Edgewood ISD.
Stories from the Field
The students in the Burleson 18+ Adult Transition Program, operated by the Institute for School and Community Partnerships at Texas A&M University—San Antonio, all have one thing in common: To find their place in the world after graduation. From nurses to teachers to computer programmers to volunteers, there are many different pathways our students select to pursue during their journey.
If you are interested in learning more about the Burleson School for Innovation and Education, here is a video about our 18+ Adult Transition Program.
The Burleson School is a charter school located at 534 Cordelia St., San Antonio, TX 78237 (map). If you would like additional information, you may email us at griselda.aguirre@tamusa.edu or phone us at the Burleson School at 210-898-4061.
About the Institute
The Institute for School and Community Partnerships at Texas A&M University—San Antonio, also known as the ISCP, is the University’s nonprofit organization working with traditional and non-traditional school systems. The Institute’s mission is to support students through innovative practices, research, and equitable policy so they can reach their full potential. The Institute’s model includes school system transformation, improving services to children for early intervention, PK–12 district partnerships, and adult education that prepares students for college and high-demand careers. The Institute is a hub of excellence for understanding and impacting child and youth development through innovative student-centered approaches, career-ready models, student-led research, and high-demand workforce opportunities for all students.
About the Author
Griselda (Grace) Aguirre-Garcia is a senior level administrator and consultant with over 20 years of educational leadership experience. She currently works as the Chief Operations Officer at the Institute for School and Community Partnerships at Texas A&M University—San Antonio, focusing on expanding educational access to high quality programming for students. Her life motto is “Work Hard, Play Hard.” She says, “We are all in this together, continuously learning and working towards a common shared goal to provide high-quality education for all students. Together, we can create real change and make a difference.”
Read More About Edgewood ISD
- “Guide to Enrolling at Learn4Life Edgewood,” San Antonio Charter Moms, May 2, 2024
- “Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys in Edgewood ISD Offers International Baccalaureate,” Mario Duran, San Antonio Charter Moms, April 24, 2024
- “Guide to Enrolling in Edgewood ISD Schools of Innovation for 2024–25,” San Antonio Charter Moms, December 14, 2023
Read More About Adult Transition and Functional Needs
- “Pediatric Constellations Helps Parents Find Their Village,” Rosa Benavides and Sergio Rodriguez, San Antonio Charter Moms, April 23, 2024
- “Rise School San Antonio Will Serve Students Like Isabelle, Daughter of Carter English,” Carter English, San Antonio Charter Moms, April 3, 2024
- “Gifted with Dyslexia: Kelly Shy-Maranca Shares a Parent’s Perspective on The Winston School of San Antonio,” Kelly Shy-Maranca, San Antonio Charter Moms, January 11, 2024
- “Guide to Enrolling at The Foundation School for Autism—San Antonio for 2024–25,” San Antonio Charter Moms, November 30, 2023
- “‘I Used My Voice:’ Juli Henderson Advocated for Her Children’s Needs,” Juli Henderson, San Antonio Charter Moms, March 1, 2023
