Session 1 Summary
The poor post-school outcomes of students with disabilities are some of the original reasons for the transition requirements mandated in IDEA. Given that post-school outcomes of students continue to remain poor, and the fact that many districts have not yet met the IDEA requirements, the importance of understanding transition and IDEA is just as urgent as it was a decade ago.
This session focuses on an overview of the importance and underpinnings of the inclusion of transition in IDEA. To summarize:
Transition has been included in IDEA since the 1990 because the first students graduating from special education were experiencing inadequate post-school results.
The transition requirements of IDEA have shifted to focus on a results-oriented approach so that the IEP documents the actions and goals identified in order to work toward the vision or future plans of the student.
The IEP is student-centered – the student’s vision and plans for the future are the driving force behind transition planning.
Transition is a coordinated effort – coordinating the student, family, school personnel, and possibly personnel from agencies outside of the school.
What have you learned from Session 1 that will help you focus on student-centered, results-oriented, and a coordinated effort as you conduct transition planning for your students?