Transition planning begins prior to the IEP meeting. Transition from high school to postsecondary options involves identifying a student’s realizable future plan and the services needed during high school to realize adult goals.

 

In Ohio, transition planning begins at age 14, or younger if appropriate, with a future planning statement and transition services needs tied to a high school course of study. Courses of study could include:

and any electives or prerequisite courses that would benefit the student. Students and parents should be aware of the requirements of the various courses of study. These courses of study should reasonably enable the student to achieve his/her postsecondary goals. (Students who entered ninth grade in 2010 will have access to the revised Ohio Core graduation requirements. Additional information and guidance can be obtained at www.ode.state.oh.us keyword “CORE”.)

 

At age 16, or younger if appropriate, appropriate, measurable postsecondary goals in education/training, employment, and independent living (if appropriate), tied to age appropriate transition assessments, are developed along with the course of study and needed transition services to achieve the postsecondary goals. These needed transition services/activities can include:

These services are intended to assist students in making the transition from the world of school to the world of adulthood. Planning the types of needed transition services are discussed prior to the IEP meeting and documented on the IEP form at the meeting. Once again, transition planning drives much of the IEP process. Emphasis on long term transition planning and services will assist students in reaching their adult goals. The IEP team needs to remember to, at the very least, invite the student to the meeting, and if appropriate, to invite, with parental consent, a representative from an agency if their services may be needed for the post-high school success of the student.             

 

Generally, the school district of residence is responsible for transition planning, course of study, and transition services identified in the IEP. See Ohio’s Operating Standards for a more complete explanation of responsibilities.