What is transition?
The concept of transition is simple. It is to assist students and their families to think about their life after high school, identify desired outcomes and then design their school and community experiences to ensure that the student gains the skills and connections necessary to achieve those outcomes.
Although the concept of transition is simple (backward planning), the process of planning and providing services based on individual student needs may be challenging in our complicated systems of education and resources. Additionally, providing families and students with agency connections, community resources, and other pertinent information for post-secondary education, employment and living beyond high school can be an overwhelming process.
Leadership and organizational management author Dr. Stephen Covey stressed the importance of "beginning with the end in mind." This idea is at the heart of transition planning. If the “end” we have in mind is a workforce of educated employees, then transition planning is the “beginning.” It sets the educational course for middle and high school students with disabilities which ensures access to adult services, postsecondary education and the world of work. At the secondary level, transition planning should help drive the entire IEP.