What are Transition Assessments?

The Career/Transition Assessment was introduced in New York State in 1989 and incorporated into New York State Part 200 Education regulations in 1993. The Career/Transition Assessment, which is mandatory for all students who are classified, is the structured collection of information that begins in middle school. Besides asking work skills questions that may be answered by existing information in student files, the process obtains information from key individuals, especially the student. This team, consisting of students, families and schools can begin to examine educational program and career options. This can ensure that students are exposed to enough information to make a real career choice that meets the student’s needs, preferences and abilities. 

The Career/Transition Survey:

• is a process that occurs over a period of time, not an event that happens at a single point in time; is a critical part of the student’s education plan; documents the decision making process; provides critical information for the transition services that begin at age 14;

• needs to be a manageable process.

The Career/Transition Assessment is:

• a structured process that takes place over a 2 year period starting in middle school (age 12);the review of existing student information to assess basic skills and determine a student’s interests;

• the structured collection of information about the student’s interests and abilities outside the school environment that allow the student and family to work with the school in the career decision making process

When is the Career/Transition Survey performed?

The Career Assessment is performed for the first time when the student is in middle school (ages 12 - 13).  However, the career assessment is completed annually for each student until High School exit.  The Transition Assessment should be completed prior to the IEP Annual Review CSE Meeting

Why perform a Career/Transition survey?

The Career Assessment is a process that occurs over time for the purpose of:

• focusing the student, parents and staff on the realistic positive outcomes available to the student upon completion of his/her secondary education;

• documenting the decision making process concerning career programming for the students.

What is a realistic outcome for a career programming decision?

A career programming decision may include, but not limited to, participation in the following:

• BOCES Secondary Occupational Education programs;

• Secondary Special Education that includes a vocational component;Career internships, mentorships and apprenticeships;

• College preparatory programs that specify supports needed by the student;Supported employment;

• Further assessment, including why further assessment is needed;

• Armed Forces.

Who should be given a Career/Transition Assessment?

All students classified with a disability who are between the ages of 12.0 and 14.0 years of age as of September 1 of a given year will receive a Career. Assessment First time students to special education over the age of 12 will also have a career assessment performed regardless of their age.

Who should perform the Career/Transition Assessment?

The Career Survey process is a team process. Each district is free to establish its own system. Many districts have the teacher who writes the IEP for a student manage the Career Assessment process and ensure that activities are performed. The teacher is not the one who should be performing all the activities. The actual gathering of information can be performed by other team members. In all cases, the student and family should be communicating with someone with whom they are comfortable.

Who should complete the Career/Transition Assessment?

There are three (3) versions of the career survey that can be completed for a student each year:

• Student Transition Assessment

• Educational Staff Transition Assessment

• Parent/Guardian Transition Assessment(Optional)

Where do I obtain the Career/Transition Assessment?

Your son/daughter will receive the Career/Transition Survey while in school.  The Parent/Guardian version of the form may be completed electronically or via paper/pencil. 

Will I receive a copy of the Career/Transition Assessment?

The Career/Transition Surveys are kept as part of your son/daughters file.  However, you may contact me if you wish to have a copy of this information for your personal records.