Transition starts before graduation
Transition planning helps students prepare for life after school. It may include college, career, training, employment, independent living, community participation, and adult services.
Student voice
The student’s preferences, strengths, interests, and goals should guide planning. Even when parents and staff provide support, the plan should reflect the student’s future as much as possible.
High school planning
Review credits, graduation pathway, diploma track, accommodations, assistive technology, work experience, transportation, counseling, and social-emotional support.
Postsecondary goals
Goals should be measurable and connected to education or training, employment, and when appropriate independent living. Services should help the student move toward those goals.
Agency connections
Depending on the student, families may explore regional center, Department of Rehabilitation, community college disability services, vocational programs, and other adult supports.
Questions for the team
Ask what transition assessments were used, what skills need development, what services support the goals, and who is responsible for each action step.
Quick parent checklist
- Write down your top three concerns before the meeting.
- Save emails, reports, progress updates, and relevant records in one folder.
- Ask the school team what data supports each recommendation.
- Send a follow-up email summarizing unresolved issues and next steps.