The Importance of Transition Services on A Student’s IEP

What are Transition Services?  IDEA defines them as “a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that: (A) is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child's movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation; (B) is based on the individual child's needs, taking into account the child's strengths, preferences, and interests; and (C) includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.”

In short, Transition Services are meant to engage students, so as to help them finish high school successfully and prepare them for their future after graduation.  Transition services are usually implemented by the age of 16 and address areas such as: post school goals, vocational assessment information, college awareness and planning, employment objectives, and daily living skills as an adult.   These are all critical areas that will help the student plan for their future, give them a sense of accomplishment, and prepare them for a life of autonomy. 

Because the Transition Services are meant to help the student prepare for their future, they are invited and encouraged to participate in their own IEP development.  As Educators, you not only want to see your students successfully finish their High School courses, but there is also joy and fulfillment that comes when helping a student plan for a successful future.  On the other side, parents want nothing but the best future for their children, and the beauty of Transition Services and goals is that the parents and students take an active role to plan, prepare and succeed in the years past High School!

[1] http://idea.ed.gov/download/statute.html

[1] http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/trans.faqs.htm