IDEA Transitional Plans For Post Secondary Education

As students with special needs enter high school, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that they become a part of the IEP process. Beginning at age 14, these students select the high school courses that will best help them prepare for their future goals. At age 16, they are able to meet with their IEP team in order to discuss their post secondary education plans. IDEA defines the services provided to high-school aged special needs students as "special education transition services". These services are offered to students who are interested in pursuing some type of post secondary education or employment.

IDEA lists several requirements for IEP meetings when special education students are legally old enough to start considering their ambitions for life after high school. The student must be invited to any meeting that discusses special education transition services and post secondary plans. The current IEP should be updated to reflect the secondary transition requirements that are deemed necessary in order for the student to accomplish his or her individual goals. Special education transition services are funded by the state in conjunction with the public agencies that offer and coordinate these provisions. Representatives of these agencies can also participate in IEP meetings if the child (or parent, in the case of children younger than 16) gives consent.

As outlined by IDEA, the types of transition services that are offered to special needs students in secondary school depend on the results of educational, training, employment, and life skills assessments. These assessments will measure the student's strengths, interests, and needs in order to determine whether future plans should include post secondary education options such as college or vocational school, integrated or supported employment, participation in community activities, or plans for independent living. Once the student's future ambitions are in place, special education transition services can begin. Examples of these services are specialized instruction, development of employment skills, integration into the community, and plans for adult daily life.

A main objective of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is to ensure that all special needs students will be prepared to leave high school and successfully embark on their future paths. Transition services provide these students with the confidence and abilities that are needed for a smooth introduction to life after high school and for a productive life experience.

1. http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cdynamic%2CTopicalBrief%2C17%2C

2. http://www.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html