Secondary transition planning is the process of preparing students for life after high school and includes planning for postsecondary education or training, employment, and independent living. Legally, practices in the area of secondary transition planning are driven by IDEA 2004 (34 CFR§ 300.320(b) and (c)) .

When a student begins secondary transition planning, the IEP changes from only planning for one year at a time to instead planning for the student’s future after graduation. The ultimate goal for all students is to leave high school college- and/or career-ready. For students with disabilities, preparing for college, career, and community life requires intense and purposeful planning on the part of the IEP team. This planning begins with age-appropriate transition assessments that identify the students strengths, preferences, interests, and needs. It continues with the creation of postsecondary goals. The rest of the IEP, including transition services and IEP goals, is designed to support the student in reaching the postsecondary goals they’ve identified.

The Secondary Transition pages on this website will guide case managers in completing a due process compliant transition IEP. However, creating a truly successful transition IEP is much more than due process. It requires comprehensive and continuous transition planning and collaboration with the student, parent, school, community, and outside agencies.