How Does the Law Help With the Transition From One Level of Schooling to the Next?

IDEA requires transition plans as children in special education move from one level of programming to the next. This includes the transition from early intervention to early childhood, and from early childhood to elementary school. 

At the high school level, IDEA requires a coordinated set of activities based upon the individual student's needs and interests. These activities are designed to help determine what vocational education or post-secondary education is appropriate for the adolescent, what supported employment might be needed, and what level of independence the adolescence might have for living arrangements and community participation. 

The law requires that these plans be in place by the time the adolescent is 16, or as early as 14, when appropriate. Students must be invited to any meeting where transition plans are discussed. Parents and school personnel, including a transition coordinator, also attend the meetings.

Gail Harris-Schmidt, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois

© copyright 1998-2008 NFXF