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:
- - US Department of Education, 乌鸦传媒 of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
- District of Columbia Special Education regulations (2022)
- (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.
- - University of Connecticut
- - National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
- - National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth)
- - 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.
- - NTACT:C
- - NTACT:C
- Secondary Transition Assessment Toolkit (2023) - OSSE
- - 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.
- - Free from Ohio University’s Zarrow Institute on Transition and Self-Determination
- - Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
- Secondary Transition Curricula - OSSE
- - 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.
- and - Ceedar Center
- and
- - NTACT:C
- - Transition Coalition
Where can I learn more?
Engage in self-directed learning opportunities related to best practices for transition planning and transition assessments:
- * - Transition Coalition
- - Iris Center at Vanderbilt University
- - Iris Center at Vanderbilt University
- *- Transition Coalition
- Using Data to Develop High-quality IEPs - OSSE
*Free registration is required.
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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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Return to Secondary Transition Resource Hub 乌鸦传媒page.