3.14 Transition Services

Transition Services (For Students 16 and Older)

Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the student is 16, and updated annually thereafter, the IEP shall describe transition services (E.C. § 56345(a)(8)). The term "transition services" means a coordinated set of activities for an individual with exceptional needs that:

1. Is results-oriented and focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the student to facilitate the movement from school to postsecondary activities (including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment, including supported employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation);

2. Is based upon the individual needs of the student, taking into account the strengths, preferences, development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation. (E.C. § 56345.1(a))

Transition services may be special education, if provided as specially designed instruction, or may be a related service, if required to assist a student to benefit from special education. If a participating agency other than the LEA fails to provide transition services identified in the IEP, the LEA shall convene the IEP team to identify alternative strategies to meet the transition service needs of the student. (E.C. § 56345.1 (b)-(c))

CASE MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES

Transition services are to be documented in the IEP and must include:

1. Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, when appropriate, independent living skills;

2. Transition services, including courses of study, needed by the student to reach these goals; and

3. Beginning not later than one year before the student reaches the age of majority, a statement that the student has been informed of the student's rights that will transfer to him or her upon reaching the age of majority. (E.C. § 56345(a)(8)(A)-(B))

Other Transition Services

For students ages five to 22, there are two other times when a transition plan is developed. One is for the student who is transitioning into a general class program in a public school from a special class or a nonpublic, nonsectarian school for any part of the school day. In either of these cases, the individualized education program should include a description of the activities provided to:

1. Integrate the student into the general education program indicating the nature of each activity, and the time spent on the activity each day or week; and

2. Support the transition of the student from the special education program into the general education program. (E.C. § 56345(b)(4)(A)-(B))

For more information please see the Transition Handbook.