Transition Services

Overview

Transition services are a coordinated set of supports designed to help students with disabilities move from school to adult life. The process focuses on improving academic and functional achievement so each student can pursue their post-school goals—whether college, vocational training, employment, independent living, or community involvement.

When Transition Planning Begins

Transition planning starts no later than the first ARD committee meeting before a student turns 14. During this meeting, the student, family, and IEP team create a vision (post-secondary goal) for life after high school and identify yearly goals and services that lead toward that vision. Planning early ensures the student’s coursework and graduation plan support their long-term goals.

What Transition Services Include

Each transition plan is based on the student’s strengths, preferences, interests, and needs (SPIN). Services may include:

• Instruction and related services
  
  

• Community experiences
  
  

• Employment preparation
  
  

• Adult living skill development
  
  

• Daily living or vocational skill training
  
  

• Referrals and connections to community agencies
  
  

If a student cannot attend their ARD meeting, the district ensures their preferences and interests are represented.

Student Rights and Postsecondary Readiness

By age 18, students must be informed of their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and provided resources on:

• Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship
  
  

• Supported decision-making
  
  

• Services that promote independent living
  
  

Additionally, all Texas seniors must complete and submit either the FAFSA or TASFA before graduation.

Dragon XCEL: Carroll ISD 18+ Transition Program

Carroll ISD offers an 18+ Transition Program for students aged 18–21 who have completed academic graduation requirements but need continued support to reach their post-secondary goals.

The program provides individualized instruction and community-based experiences in:

• Employment readiness
  
  

• Independent living
  
  

• Community and recreational participation
  
  

Each young adult’s schedule is individualized to their needs and developed collaboratively with the student, family, educators, and adult service agencies. The goal is to create a seamless transition to adult life, where the last day of the program feels like the first day of independence.