What is Transition?

Transition planning and services are required by federal law (IDEA 2004) and Pennsylvania regulations (Chapter 14) to be addressed in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) of the student in the year in which the student turns 14 years of age.

Transition should be conceptualized as a bridge between school programs and the opportunities of adult life, including participation in post-secondary education or training, employment, and community living. These three areas are often referred to as "post-school outcomes" and are the driving force behind Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) written for students in high school.

Transition planning involves a partnership between the student, the family, school-age services and program providers, post-school services and program providers, and local community members.

Effective transition involves purposeful planning among all these entities. It entails recognizing the student"s current strengths, interests, preferences, and needs, and then identifying what services and supports he or she will need to achieve future success.