Secondary transition is the process of preparing students for life after they leave high school, including participation in post-secondary education/training, employment, and community living. These three areas are referred to as “post-school outcomes” and are the driving force behind Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) written for students in high school. The planning process is a collaborative effort between the student, family/caregiver, school team and agency partners.

Transition planning begins at age 14, in middle school or early high school, as students explore what they want their post-school outcomes to be through career awareness exploration activities. It continues through high school as instruction and community experiences support these outcomes. By beginning to discuss transition prior to high school, the IEP team can work with each student and family to select courses of study that will be meaningful to the student’s future and motivate the student to complete his or her education.

Secondary Transition should be conceptualized as a bridge between school programs and the opportunities of adult life, including higher education, employment, independent living and community participation. Transition planning involves a partnership between the student, the family, school-age services and program providers, post-school services and program providers, and local community members. Effective transition involves purposeful planning among all these entities. It entails recognizing the student’s strengths, interests, preferences, and needs, and then identifying what services and supports he or she will need to achieve future success.

The Central Intermediate Unit 10 supports / facilitates a Transition Coordinating Council (TCC) in each of the three counties it serves.

Resources

Bureau of Blind and Visual Services

CARES of Central PA

Compass Community Connections

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

PA Department of Labor & Industry - Disability Services

PaTTan-Graduation / Post- Secondary Outcomes

PA Secondary Transition 

Ready, Set, Work!

SAM Inc. (Service Access & Management)

Youth Employment Service

Contact Information

Erin Chapman, M.Ed

Educational Consultant

[email protected]

(814) 442-4157