Beginning in 2002, an ad hoc group with representatives from Departments of Education, Rehabilitation, Career and Technology Education, higher education, and public schools met to discuss how to improve transition education and postschool outcomes for students with disabilities. In 2003, this group met with New Mexico's transition leaders to begin the systematic replication of the New Mexico Trans
ition Institute and Local Team Concept. In 2004, the Oklahoma Transition Council formed to develop the Oklahoma Transition Institute and the local team concept. The Oklahoma Transition Council divided the state by Career Technology Center locations matched by available rehabilitation counselors to form regional teams. In the summer of 2006, the Oklahoma Transition Council held its first Institute in Oklahoma City, with follow-up regional team meetings in October. The second Oklahoma Transition Institute met during the summer of 2007 in Norman. The third Oklahoma Transition Institute met at MetroTech in Oklahoma City on September 3, 4, and 5, 2008. The fourth Oklahoma Transition Institute was held on September 9, 10, and 11, 2009 at MetroTech in Oklahoma City. The fifth Oklahoma Transition Institute occurred on September 14, 15, 16, 2010 at the University of Oklahoma OCCE Thurman J. White Forum in Norman, OK. Besides the direct support of New Mexico's transition education leaders, the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center provided invaluable assistance to establish and implement the Institute and Local Team concept. Almost 1,850 participants attended the five Institutes. Approximately 35 teams developed implementation plans to improve their transition education practices.
