TIP SHEET

High School Transition Plan

In the special education world, the term transition applies to students who are preparing to leave high school and enter a post-secondary system, with the goal of successful and meaningful functioning in adult life. The earlier you, your young person, and the professionals working with the young person begin working on a transition plan, the smoother the transition.

Schools should:

• Have a transition coordinator
• Actively involve the student
• Conduct vocational assessments with parents and students
• Expose students to possible colleges, career options, and vocational training programs
• Provide exit summary upon graduation

Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings should:

• Involve the student once s/he is between the ages of 12-14 (though they can be involved earlier)
• Discuss the student’s education, employment, and independent living goals
• Discuss which diploma/credential option the student is working towards
• Discuss vocational assessment results
• Create specific goals on the IEP related to the transition plan
• Update the transition plan every year and involve all providers, family, and the student

What you can do at home:

• Help your child develop self-help skills such as:
  • Cooking
  • Cleaning
  • Self-care
  • Traveling
  • Money management (bank account)
• Encourage self-exploration and decision making:
  • Explore your child’s career and job interests
  • Encourage summer volunteer and work opportunities
• Collect student records, transcripts, data reports, and any other relevant documents from the school