Writing Effective Transition Plans

After a brief introduction to the Center for Change in Transition Services, Module 1 begins with an overview of transition planning for students with disabilities. It identifies the four performance indicators for secondary transition and the role that quality Individual Education Programs (IEPs) play in preparing students for post-school success. Then the components of transition planning are introduced in the form of a flowchart. Module 1 ends by drawing connections between the IEP transition plan and the High School and Beyond Plan (further detailed in Module 9).

• Module 1 Overview
• Center for Change in Transition Services
• Transition Planning and the IEP
• Performance Indicators for Secondary Transition
• Components of Transition Planning
• High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP)
• Module 1 Summary

The first step in the transition services is to conduct age-appropriate transition assessments. Module 2 addresses assessment components, types, and best practices.

• Module 2 Overview
• Transition Assessments
• Assessment Components
• Assessment Best Practices
• Types of Assessments
• Assessment Resources
• Module 2 Summary

Module 3 begins with an overview of the differences between postsecondary (or post-school) goals and annual goals. It addresses the four areas of postsecondary goals, which include education and training, employment, and if appropriate, independent living skills. It demonstrates how to write measurable postsecondary goals and includes examples of goals in each of the areas.

• Module 3 Overview
• Postsecondary Goals vs. Annual Goals
• Areas of Postsecondary Goals
• Writing Measurable Postsecondary Goals
• Examples of Postsecondary Goals
• Module 3 Summary

Module 4 includes information about identifying transition services based on assessments and postsecondary goals. Examples of transition services are included for students in the areas of education/training, employment, and independent living.

• Module 4 Overview
• Identify Transition Services
• Examples of Transition Services
• Module 4 Summary

Module 5 begins with a definition of the course of study, what should be included, and the timeline. It concludes with student examples and non-examples.

• Module 5 Overview
• Write the Course of Study
• Example: Felicia
• Example: Javier
• Example: Jasmine
• Non-Examples
• Module 5 Summary

Module 6 addresses how to write measurable and robust annual goals that connect to postsecondary goals.

• Module 6 Overview
• Postsecondary Goals vs. Annual Goals (revisited)
• Writing Annual Goals
• Examples of Annual Goals
• Module 6 Summary

Module 7 provides information on agency linkages and recommendations for their inclusion in the transition process. Representatives of outside agencies who are well informed about community resources and adult services can be invited to join the regular participants at IEP meetings (students, parents, special education and general education teachers, related service providers, administrators) to support conversations about transition.

• Module 7 Overview
• Coordinate Services with Adult Agencies
• Adult Agency Resources
• Module 7 Summary

Module 8 focuses on the Summary of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance, commonly referred to as the Summary of Performance. It addresses the reasons for completing the summary, provides an overview of the summary components, and offers tips and best practices for completion.

• Module 8 Overview
• Reasons for the Summary of Performance
• Summary Components
• Tips and Best Practices
• Module 8 Summary

Module 9 begins with an overview of the similarities between the federally-required IEP transition plan and the state-required High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP). Following an example student, Kaleb, the module explores the common components of the IEP and HSBP and how to use the T-Folio transition curriculum to support the development of these documents.

• Module 9 Overview
• IEP Transition Plan and the High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP)
• Example: Kaleb’s IEP and HSBP
• Kaleb’s Assessments
• Kaleb’s Career Goals
• Kaleb’s Education Goals
• Kaleb’s Course Work
• Kaleb’s Summaries
• Module 9 Summary

Module 10 is designed to help families/caregivers understand the basic components of IEP transition plans. It includes an introduction to transition plans and highlights each of the areas that should be included.

• Module 10 Overview
• Understanding Transition Plans
• Transition Assessments & SPIN
• Postsecondary Goals
• Transition Services
• Course of Study
• Annual Goals
• Agency Connection
• Module 10 Summary

After completing this course, please consider taking five minutes to reflect on what you’ve learned and share it in the Post-Training Reflection Guide.

Your feedback helps us create materials that are meaningful and accessible to stakeholders across Washington state.