Effective Secondary Transition:
Secondary Transition refers to the preparation of secondary students for post-secondary
experiences, or life after high school. IEP teams design individualized plans that include relevant
courses of studies, and transition services and activities that focus on meeting personalized
Transition goals.
Elements of Effective Transition Planning:
Belief Systems:
 Recognition of the need for high expectations during and after school
 “Presuming competence” for each student in reaching his/her potential
Individualized Process:
 IEP development based on assessment
 Services and activities to build needed skills and lead towards post-secondary goals
Youth Participation and Engagement:
 Understanding of disability, strengths, and needs
 Building self-advocacy and self-determination through purposeful activities in and out of school
Partnerships:
 Teaming with parents, educators, agencies, employers, and community
 Sharing information, problem-solving and creative solutions
Program Structures and Characteristics:
 Access to the general curriculum
 Allocation of resources (staffing, time, financial, travel, etc.) to allow for appropriate, relevant
programming for each student
Belief Systems
Program
characteristics