The Individualized Education Plan and Transition Planning
Within the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a transition plan will outline transition goals and services for the student. All students with an IEP must have a transition plan in place before turning 16. However, the IEP team, including the student and the family, should start this process as early as 14 or while still in middle school, to ensure the student is on the correct track with their coursework while in high school. Starting early also helps to ensure they are set up for success in achieving their postsecondary goals.
Like all parts of the IEP, the transition plan should start with data found in the Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP). Data to guide the development of the transition plan will come from various resources, including annual age-appropriate transition assessments that help identify the student’s strengths, interests, preferences, and needs to write appropriate postsecondary goals and subsequential transition services.
Following are additional resources to help support Transition Planning:
Family Matters- Transition Planning: Considerations for Students with Disabilities and Families
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
Planning for Competitive and Integrated Employment with the V3 Discovery Process
Secondary Transition Resources from START
Transition Coalition
Transition Planning Guidance from the Michigan Department of Education (February 2022)
Transition to Adulthood Topics- Michigan Alliance for Families
Transiting planning also involves navigating the the IEP and Education Development Plan (EDP) connections, in addition to working with outside agencies that provide student transition services.