Transition Assessments

What are Transition Assessments?

These assessments are used to collect data on an individual's needs, preferences, and interests to guide future living, learning, and working goals.

How are they used?

Every year, special education teachers give assessments to students in order to collect this data. Information from assessments is used to guide the post-secondary goals and determine what types of transition services a student might need in order to meet those goals. Descriptions of the assessments are recorded annually on the Post-Secondary Transition Plan (PTP).

Who?

All students receiving special education services, beginning at age 14, are to be administered transition assessments on a yearly basis. Special education teachers, case managers, transition teachers, school psychologists, support staff, and classroom teachers all might be responsible for giving assessments. In some instances, parents/ guardians may also be asked to participate in the assessment process.

Types

Assessments can be formal or informal. Informal examples include having an interview discussion with the special education teacher or completing a basic questionnaire or survey on career interests. Formal assessments are usually more standardized. These include using Xello, Picture Interest Career Survey (PICS), behavior scales, or the Transition Planning Inventory (TPI).