Transition Planning

TRANSITION PLANNING

For Students & Families

WHAT IS TRANSITION?

Transition is the process students and their families use to think about life after high school, to identify their desired outcomes, and to plan their community and school experiences to assure that the students acquire the knowledge and skills to achieve their goals. (Virginia Department of Education- www.vdoe.org)

WHY IS TRANSITION IMPORTANT?

Steven Covey says to "begin with the end in mind." That idea is the heart of transition planning. If the "end" we have in mind is "educated employees," then the transition planning is the "beginning." It sets the education course for middle and secondary students with disabilities that leads to access to adult services, postsecondary education and the world of work. The idea of transition is simple, but actually carrying out the process can be daunting as we try to weave together the appropriate combination of educational and social services. The legislators who developed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA PL 101-476) included transition components in the legislation with the goal of preparing students with disabilities to access the supports and services they need to become as independent as possible. (Virginia Department of Education- www.vdoe.org)