From the moment children walk through the school door for the first time, parents, educators, and business leaders are already dreaming what those children will do the day they graduate. For students who have challenges in their learning styles, social skills, and behavior management, the transition to the world of work and higher education must be well planned.

IDEA 2004 places an emphasis on postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities. The importance of post-high school outcomes and a clear emphasis on postsecondary goals are important in increasing students’ opportunities for successful transition from their school setting. Transition requirements include:

• Preparing students to lead productive and independent adult lives;
• Providing students with effective transition services in order to promote postsecondary 
  employment and education/training; and,
• Meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities by preparing them for further education,
  employment, and independent living (if appropriate).

As a set of coordinated activities, transition services should focus on improving the academic
and functional achievement of students, whether these activities are provided through specially designed instruction or related services, leading students to postsecondary activities.

The role of the secondary transition consultant includes:

• Assisting school districts by providing timely training and technical assistance in the transition
  section of the IEP;
• Assisting parents, families, and school districts in secondary transition planning and
  implementation;
• Researching and providing resources to parents, districts, community agencies, and other
  interested stakeholders;
• Maintaining and sustaining a Regional Transition Council (RTC) that improves communication
  and collaboration between districts and community agencies serving children with disabilities;
  and,
• Assisting districts on State Performance Plan Indicators: 

  #1)      increase in graduation rate;
  #2)     decrease in drop-out rate;
  #13)   secondary transition planning; and
  #14)   postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities.

Remember, transition planning is life planning. Discussions begin with toddlers and follow a series of pathways leading to adult goal achievement. Early planning will result in future success…for the individual and the community.

For more information regarding Secondary Transition and the Transition Network contact Edward Flegel, Secondary Transition Consultant at 216-446-3819.