
Tips for Schools
The student, family, school and appropriate agencies must decide together what the content of the IEP will be. A successful transition plan involves ALL of these entities working cooperatively to develop and provide the programs, services, and activities in the IEP. However, the school has the ultimate responsibility and authority for ensuring a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE).
When planning for a student’s transition to life after high school, educators need to begin the journey on a solid foundation. This is best accomplished by making sure the IEP team knows the interests, aptitudes and abilities of the student. Transition assessments, whether formal or informal, is where it all begins. Information gathered from the transition assessments is then used as the driving force behind the IEP. If the student’s dreams for the future are to enroll in a technical institute and become a mechanic, transition services & activities, along with goals should center on assisting the student to get closer to this dream OR to assist him/her to realize that it may not be his/her dream.
The clearly-stated purpose of IDEA is that the special education and related services a student receives be uniquely designed to prepare the student for further education/training, employment, and independent living, where appropriate. A coordinated set of activities in these areas, with outside agency involvement, needs to be addressed in the IEP throughout the student’s high school education, so there are positive outcome based results. With proper transition planning & outside agency involvement, students with disabilities should have all connections made for their post-school plans, prior to receiving their signed high school diploma.
Why Is Effective Transition Planning Important?
Helps students achieve his/her dreams! (Performance Indicator 13)
Prevents dropout! (Performance Indicator 2)
Increases graduation rates! (Indicator 1)
Increases enrollment in postsecondary education! (Performance Indicator 14)
Improves employment rates! (Performance Indicator 14)
Links:
SD Teachers Make Transition Happen
Invitation of Agencies (Consent Form)
Indicator 13 checklist & specifics
National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC)
Transition Services - Ed O'Leary
TA guide for Transition in the IEP
The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities
Transition Assessment Web Sites
Indicator 13 Checklist Quick Tips