Summary: Transition planning is a partnership involving students with disabilities, their families, school personnel, local community and adult service representatives, employers and interested others. The purpose is to assist the student to identify opportunities and experiences during their school years to help prepare them for life as an adult. Each of our district high school programs are committed to successful transition.
Background: The Individual with Disabilities Act Amendments of 1997 (PL 105-17) requires the consideration of transition needs for students beginning at age 14 or 8th grade, whichever comes first. IDEA 2004, emphasizes meaningful life outcomes for students with disabilities by creating measurable goals based on age appropriate transition assessments that will lead to post-secondary school, training, employment, and independent living skills.
Transitional planning should be an integral component of the student's IEP, focusing both on present and future needs for the student. Planning for the future should help the IEP team design functional instructional programs that reflect the student's interest and needs for life as an adult in the areas of employment, community involvement, post-secondary education, leisure activities and independent living.
Transition services are defined as a coordinated set of activities that promotes movement from school to post-school activities, based on the individual student's needs, preferences and interests. Each of our district high school programs are committed to developing and implementing successful transition plans for our students. Successful transition for students with disabilities results in one of the following outcomes:
1. Placement in an appropriate post-secondary education program (community college, four-year college, vocational college, or other training institution that trains individuals for employment.)
2. Placement in a job that pays a livable wage and provides heath benefits, and that the student likes;
3. Placement in a supported employment position with an ongoing support system in place and plan for insuring health benefits; or
4. Placement in an ongoing treatment program that the student, the parents, and other care providers deem as appropriate for the student.