What is Transition?
From the Colorado Department of Education’s Transition Planning guide, transition is a process designed to plan for life after graduation, through identifying dreams, goals, instructional needs and supports is beneficial for all students regardless of the extent or type of disability. IDEA requires that transition planning be included in the IEP, for every student receiving special education services, beginning no later than the age of 14 or earlier when appropriate.
“Good transition planning can start at any age. It is recommended that transition planning begin no later than 8th grade. In Colorado, as a result of inter-agency agreements, the state is committed to a development process for transition that fits the uniqueness of each local community in the state.”
An effective transition planning process involves: student, parent, school, community and service providers. This planning:
- Facilitates communication
- Develops a planning process that outlines a clear path for students from being in school to adult life
- Includes features in school curriculum that address transition components such as, applied academics, career development and daily living skills
- Utilizes transition assessments that aid in determining student need
- Includes referral systems and aids in communication so students can more easily access agency supports
- Successfully utilizes available resources across agencies
- Creates networking opportunities and expertise across agencies
- Provides support systems for professionals, families and students through the transition planning process
Please see some resources for suggested transition inventories and questionnaires teams can use to help evaluate student transition knowledge and skills.
St Vrain’s Life Skills ACE Program and SWAP Program Information:
Comprehensive Transition Assessment Resource, helping you choose an inventory or survey dependent on student needs.
Parent and Teacher Resources:
Example Transition Survey and Inventories to be used in team planning