Transition services for students in special education are services that help students move from school to adult life. They should reflect the student’s own goals for her future.
The law defines transition services as:
- A coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that —
- Is designed within an outcome-oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;
- Is based upon the individual student’s needs, taking into account the student’s strengths, preferences and interests; and
- Includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development or employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
[20 U.S.C. Sec. 1401(34); 34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.43(a).]
State law requires that the State Superintendent of Public Instruction provide transition services for a broad range of special education students, such as employment and academic training, strategic planning, interagency coordination, and parent training. [Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56461.]