What are Evidence-Based Practices in Secondary Transition?
IDEA requires that federal and state resources are used to research best practices related to secondary transition, resulting in quality research outlining key components of successful transition planning. Evidence-based practices in Secondary Transition are research proven methods to improve postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities.
As an educator, where should I start?
Become familiar with legal requirements and best practices for secondary transition:
- A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities (2020) - US Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
- District of Columbia Special Education regulations (2022)
- Secondary Transition Community of Practice (facilitated in partnership with SchoolTalk, Inc.)
- Secondary Transition Compliance Tool (2014) - OSSE
- Secondary Transition Policy (2011) - OSSE
- Secondary Transition Process Toolkit (2023) - OSSE
- OSSE Secondary Transition Compliance Worksheet
What research-based frameworks support secondary transition practices?
The frameworks listed below provide educators with evidence-based elements of quality transition programming. Become familiar with these frameworks to inform decision-making throughout the secondary transition process.
- College and Career Readiness for Transition (2019) - University of Connecticut
- Effective Predictors of Post-Secondary Success (2020) - National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
- Guideposts for Success 2.0 (2019) - National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth)
- Taxonomy for Transition Programming 2.0 (2016) - NTACT:C
What are evidence-based practices for high-quality secondary transition assessments and how do they inform the creation of the transition plan?
Assessments ensure the IEP team understands the student’s current strengths, preferences, interests and needs to develop and ground an individualized transition plan, including goals and services. Data drives the transition process and informs all IEP decisions, including secondary transition planning. All team members, including the student and parent, participate to identify data gaps, complete assessments and develop the transition plan.
- Assessment to Practice Guidelines with Case Studies (2019) - NTACT:C
- Monitoring Student Progress for Transition: A Toolkit for Collecting Student Level Transition-Related Data (2018) - NTACT:C
- Secondary Transition Assessment Toolkit (2023) - OSSE
- Transition Assessment Process: A Guide for Developing Postsecondary Goals and Transition Services (2021) - Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
What should educators consider when creating lesson plans or selecting curricula for secondary transition?
Instructional methods that support secondary transition goals consider students’ strengths, preferences, interests and needs, including accommodations and assistive technology. Embed content related to the three postsecondary domains alongside the standard curriculum. Develop opportunities for students to develop self-determination skills and to specifically address goals in their transition plans. Utilize a curriculum that aligns with secondary transition-related competencies.
- ChoiceMaker Self-Determination Transition Curriculum - Free from Ohio University’s Zarrow Institute on Transition and Self-Determination
- High Leverage Practices - Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
- Secondary Transition Curricula - OSSE
- Transition Curricula Options Overview - National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC)
How can educators, school-level staff, or district staff evaluate the effectiveness of our program?
IDEA requires LEAs to report on compliance with federal legislation under Indicator 13 (IDEA 34 C.F.R. §300.600). Go beyond minimal compliance by assessing practice at the practitioner and school levels.
- High Leverage Practices Guide (2017) and Self-Assessment Tools - Ceedar Center
- Indicator 13 Presentation/Presenter Guide and Case Studies
- The Predictor Implementation School/District Self-Assessment (PISA) - NTACT:C
- Quality Indicators of Exemplary Transition Program Needs Assessment (QI-2) - Transition Coalition
Where can I learn more?
Engage in self-directed learning opportunities related to best practices for transition planning and transition assessments:
- Best Practices in Planning for Transition* - Transition Coalition
- Facilitating Transitions for Students with Disabilities from High School to Post-School Settings - Iris Center at Vanderbilt University
- High Leverage Practices - Iris Center at Vanderbilt University
- Transition Assessment: The Big Picture*- Transition Coalition
- Using Data to Develop High-quality IEPs - OSSE
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Student and Family Resources Students and families work with their school team and community partners to participate in the assessment process and to develop secondary transition plans and services. Their voice is critical to the process in order to ensure the student is prepared for postsecondary life. The resources below provide information about the secondary transition process and tools to clarify student and family visions for the future.
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