What Are Transition Services?

Transition services are a coordinated set of activities for students with disabilities that promote movement from school to post-school activities including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation. Transition services are based on the individual needs of the student taking into account the student's preferences and interests and includes instruction, related services, community experiences, development of employment, and other post-school living objectives and if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation. Transition services identify the future hopes, goals, and dreams for independence after leaving high school and list the activities and services needed to reach those goals.

Who Needs Transition Services?

Students receiving special education services may require services and supports in their transition to life after graduation. This requires planning long before students leave the educational system. Planning begins at age 14 when a statement of the transition service needs (Individual Transition Plan) that focuses on the student's course of study is included in the IEP. Beginning at age 16 a statement of needed transition services including, if appropriate, a statement of the interagency responsibilities or any needed linkages must be included in the IEP. The IEP must also include a statement that the student has been informed of procedural safeguards that will transfer to the student upon reaching the age of majority (age 18).

Who is Involved in Transition Planning?

Transition planning is a student-centered team effort. Therefore, students must actively participate in the development of their plans. Other team members may include family members, special educators, general educators including vocational education teachers as appropriate, other school staff as appropriate (school psychologist, school counselor, school social worker), and community and adult service agency representatives. The transition services must be based on the student's needs, interests, and preferences.

Transition Services Mission and Goals

Mission

It is the mission of the Transition Services Team for Alexandria City Public Schools to ensure that every student is prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary for higher education and multiple career paths upon graduation from high school.

Goal

The goal of the Transition Services Team for Alexandria City Public Schools is to promote and foster positive options and outcomes for students with disabilities in the areas of employment and training, postsecondary education, and adult living so that students exit high school with the knowledge and skills needed to compete and excel in a global community.

To achieve this goal, the Transition Services Team for ACPS proposes a partnership with community agencies and businesses to:

• Provide a forum for school and adult services agencies to share information and clarify agency roles regarding the types of services that can be provided for students with disabilities
• Work to improve and increase opportunities for students with disabilities while they are still in high school (i.e., intern/externships, community training job sites, job shadowing, competitive employment, mentors, etc.)
• Work to improve and increase postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities (i.e., college, apprenticeships, training programs, trade school, mentors, competitive employment, etc.)