Types of Assessments & Who Conducts Asseessments

There are two main types of transition assessments:

• Formal Assessments: These include standardized tests like aptitude or intelligence tests. They are often given by trained professionals and provide consistent data across students.

• Informal Assessments: These include activities like career exploration, interest inventories, interviews, questionnaires, and job shadowing. These help gather real-life insights about a student’s goals and preferences.

Additional Informal assessments can also include:

• Researching college programs and support services.

• Exploring assistive technology tools.

• Touring postsecondary campuses.

When a student is unable or unwilling to participate in a transition assessment(s), the educator can gather insights from: 

• Educator observations

• Family input

• Student records 

• Transition partners

Assessments are usually completed with the student by:

• Special Education Teachers

• General Education Teachers

• School Counselors

• School Psychologists

• Transition partners (ie, agency representatives, mental health providers, etc)

Transition partners can support the student’s goals by contributing insights into education and training, employment, and independent living options.

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