Secondary Transition
- Overview and Guidance from the Iowa Department of Education
- Videos for Understanding Transition
- Resources for Teachers
- Resources for Parents
- Community Resources
Overview and Guidance from the Iowa Department of Education
Throughout life people move from one set of circumstances to another. The period of adjustment to these changes is known as transition. As individuals develop and grow they experience many transitions. Although transition planning is important whenever changes occur, there are two specific times when procedures and practices are mandated by IDEA '04 and the Iowa Administrative Rules of Special Education. The first time is when children turn three years of age and transition from Part C services to Part B or other community services. The second time is when an individual turns 14 years of age or younger, if appropriate, and post-secondary planning procedures take effect. This webpage focuses solely on the latter – the transition of youth with disabilities from high school to learning, living and working in the community.
The ultimate goal of secondary transition planning is to make the adjustment from high school as easy, successful and as short as possible. Successful transition planning should begin early and be based on specific knowledge and experiences of targeted future environments and activities. It includes the commitment of resources, collaboration among people and agencies, and decision making to develop an IEP for the student.
Videos for Understanding Transition
Resources for Teachers
IEP Assistance:
Transition IEP Guidance
Transition Video (IEP - Page B)
Guidelines for Writing Quality Transition IEPs
Prior Written Notice / Consent for Reeval
Support for Accommodation Request Video
Support for Accommodation Request Directions
Support for Accommodation Request Template
Summary of Post-Secondary Living, Learning and Working Video
Summary for Post-Secondary Living, Learning and Working Template
Teacher Toolkit:
Student Lead IEP
Work Experience Resources
Child Labor Requirements in Nonagricultural Occupations Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
Work-based Learning Guide 2002 (WBLG 2002) Guide for individuals involved in work based learning experiences.
Iowa Safe Youth @ Work Includes: Youth @ Work Talking Safety Training Curriculum (Lessons, Overheads, Handouts, Booklet, Video)
Youth Rules Employer self-assessment tools in non-agricultural industries such as restaurant and grocery sites.
Age of Majority
Transition Webinars
Reasons to Consider Continuing Special Education Services
Transition Assessment Matrix Department of Education developed site providing a link between I-13 critical elements and formal/informal assessment tools.
Transition Assessment Planning Areas
Assessment Tools:
- I Have a Plan Iowa
- Casey Life Skills Assessment
- AIR Self-Determination Scale (Free to Download)
- O*NET OnLine
- My Next Move
- Career One Stop
- Job Shadow
- Learn to Earn
Transition Fact Sheets:
- Self Advocacy: Helping Students Find Their Voice
- Accommodations vs. Modifications
- Roles of Parents in Transition Planning
- Difference between High School and Higher Education
- Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Age of Majority
- Preparing for Successful Transition Planning
Transition Websites
Resources for Parents
Family and Educator Partnership
The Family and Educator Partnership works to develop and sustain effective partnerships between families, educators, and community providers to promote success for all children and youth.
Parent Transition Planning Resources
- Community Resources Brochure 2014
- Family Transition Planning Guide
- Transition Profile Interview
- Parent Tips for Transition
- Age of Majority
- The Guardianship and Conservatorship in Iowa Handbook from Iowa Legal Aid & the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council provides answers to questions on when and how to seek guardianship &/or conservatorship.