Transition planning services begin at age 14 when the student is invited to IEP meetings and focus on preparing the student for when they leave the public education system. Each IEP from this point forward will include a Transition Planning Form (TPF) that includes the student’s Postsecondary Vision, Disability Related Needs and an Action Plan to help the student achieve their vision.
Transition planning goals should consider
- What the student needs
- What are the student’s skills
- What the student likes doing
- What the student’s goals are
The action plan should consider actions that can help the student achieve their goals including
- Academic and non-academic courses
- Employment and other training opportunities
- Independent and community living options
Since students’ goals and needs vary widely no two transition plans will look the same. The purpose of the plans is to help ensure the IEP team is focused on working to ensure the student is as well positioned as possible to achieve their goals upon leaving the public education system.
Below are links to resources most helpful for Newton Parents:
Newton Public School's Transition Planning Website
Secondary Transition MA DESE Website
Newton, MA SEPAC 