A Transition Plan is mandated by both the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state law and regulations. IDEA is routinely reauthorized so changes occur. The most recent reauthorization of IDEA occurred at the end of 2004. The Federal law says transition should start no later than age 16. Currently, Illinois Special Education law “requires that beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 14½, and updated annually thereafter, the IEP shall include: 1) appropriate, measurable, postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate assessments related to employment, education or training, and as needed independent living;  2) the transition services that are needed to assist the child in reaching those goals, including courses of study and any other needed services to be provided by entities other than the school district.” *Providers outside of the school district can also be invited to attend IEP meetings for students who may need their services.

The Illinois State Board of Education website has a very comprehensive and informative power point presentation available on Transition. Click on the title that follows to link to that resource:  IDEA 2004: Issues, Implications and Strategies in the Development of Transition Plans and Understanding State Performance Plan Indicators 13 & 14

A Summary of Performance must also be completed for students leaving/exiting school.  This form must be completed in the final year prior to the student exiting high school.  It contains information about the student’s academic and vocational preparation and plans for post-school activities.  Follow-up will be required by school districts to determine post-school outcomes and this information will be reported to the federal government. This form is available on the Illinois State Board of Education website at www.isbe.net in the Special Education section.