Why are family partnerships important during the secondary transition process?
Family participation in the secondary transition process is required under IDEA. LEAs must invite and provide opportunities for family members with educational rights to engage in the IEP and secondary transition process. Families provide input into the assessment process and transition planning decisions. Research shows engaging families meaningfully and consistently leads to positive postsecondary success for the student (Mazzotti, V. L. et al, 2020). The secondary transition process also prepares students and their families for the shift in educational rights to adult students.
As an educator, where should I start?
Build positive and trusting relationships with families through cultural and linguistic awareness. Share resources and explain the process clearly to families to increase understanding of the secondary transition process. Ensure that families are invited to engage meaningfully before, during and after IEP meetings are held. Below are some resources to support increased family engagement.
- How Schools Can Involve, Engage and Enlist Parents in Secondary Transition for Youth (2017) - District of Columbia Association for Special Education (DCASE) & Quality Trust
- Quick Guide: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Youth- Secondary Transition (2017) - National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT)
- Research Summary: Systemic Barriers to Family Involvement in Transition Planning for Youth with Disabilities (2021) - Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE)
- Transition Planning Tips for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Youth with Disabilities (2017) - PACER Center
How does the role of the family/guardian shift at the Age of Majority?
Families are critical partners and advocates for the student throughout the student’s education and beyond. As students reach the Age of Majority at age 18, families’/guardians’ roles shift from legal decision-makers to advisors and supporters. Educational rights transfer from families/guardians to students. Students become the legal decision-makers for all aspects of their educational program. Increasing student engagement in the IEP process throughout their childhood years prepares them for the transfer of rights. LEAs must inform the student and their legal guardian about the transfer of rights prior to age 17 and again when the student turns 18. Students and families have options for education decision-making, as outlined in OSSE’s site linked below.
- Education Decision-Making & Transfer of Rights - OSSE
- Let’s Talk About It: A Family Perspective (2014) - OSSE and SchoolTalk
- "Transfer of Rights" & Supported Decision Making (2017) - Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities
Where can I learn more?
Engage in self-directed learning opportunities related to family engagement.
- Engaging with Families* - Transition Coalition
- Toward a Conception of Culturally Responsive Practices in Transition Planning* - National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
- Trauma-Informed Care (2021) - GW University and Center for Innovative Training in Vocational Rehabilitation
*Free registration required
|
Student and Family Resources Families are critical to the secondary transition process because family participation increases the positive outcomes for students once they move to adult life. Below are some resources for families:
Organizations that support family engagement in the secondary transition process: |
Return to Secondary Transition Resource Hub Homepage.