What Is Secondary Transition?
Secondary transition is the process of helping students prepare for life after high school. It focuses on developing the knowledge, skills, and supports students need to move toward meaningful adult goals in areas such as further education, employment, community participation, and independent living.
Transition planning is part of every student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) beginning no later than age 14 (or earlier, if the team agrees). From that point forward, the IEP includes goals and services that help students explore their interests, make choices about the future, and gain experiences that support independence.
Transition planning connects school learning to real-world outcomes. It helps students:
Discover their strengths, preferences, and interests
Develop the skills needed for adult life
Build confidence and self-advocacy
Plan for success in college, career, and community living
Understanding Transition Services
Transition services are the coordinated supports and activities that make this possible.
Under federal and state law, transition services must:
Begin no later than age 14 (or earlier, if the IEP Team agrees)
Be individualized to the student’s strengths, preferences, interests, and needs
Be results-oriented, supporting movement from school to adult life
Be documented in the IEP through measurable goals, services, and agency connections.
Students and families play a central role in transition planning. The IEP Team uses student input, assessment results, and family insights to develop postsecondary goals and services.
Together, the team considers:
What the student wants for their future
What skills or experiences will help them get there
Which community or adult agencies can provide support after high school
Transition services are woven throughout the IEP process and may include:
Instruction in daily living, travel, or workplace readiness
Career exploration, job shadowing, or internships
College and training program preparation
Self-advocacy, communication, and decision-making skill development
Coordination with adult agencies such as MassAbility, DDS, or the Merrimack Valley Welcome Center
Transition planning grows as students move through school. At Lawrence Public Schools, this process begins in middle school and continues throughout high school. Transition Specialists support students and families by coordinating assessments, career exploration, community connections, and agency referrals.
In middle school, students begin exploring their interests, learning about careers, and practicing self-awareness and communication skills. Learn More About Middle School Transition Planning
In high school, they apply those interests to courses, work-based learning, and community experiences while earning credits toward graduation and planning for postsecondary goals. Learn More About High School Transition Planning