We’re asking for a few minutes of your time to participate in the Secondary Transition Training and Technical Assistance Needs Survey, designed to gather input on current strengths, gaps, and priorities related to professional development provided by the ADE/ESS Secondary Transition Team. 

The Secondary Transition Training and Technical Assistance Needs Survey gathers input from educators, families, youth, and community partners like you. Your voice plays a critical role in helping us identify what is working—and where we can improve. Your feedback will directly inform: 

• Statewide professional development priorities 

• Technical assistance supports and guidance 

• Statewide efforts to increase successful post school outcomes. 

Complete the Secondary Transition Training and Technical Assistance Needs Survey by October 16, 2026.

We also encourage you to share this survey with others involved in secondary transition services so that a wide range of perspectives are represented. Thank you for your time and commitment to improving outcomes for youth and young adults across Arizona. 

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the ESS Secondary Transition Inbox: [email protected]. 

The ADE/ESS Secondary Transition Team is pleased to announce the release of the Secondary Transition Course of Study (CoS) Planning Worksheet. This worksheet was developed to support IEP teams in creating meaningful, intentional, multi-year Course of Study plans that align with Arizona graduation requirements, the student's measurable postsecondary goals, and identified IEP needs.

The CoS Planning Worksheet is a technical assistance resource designed for use prior to or during IEP meetings where secondary transition planning is discussed. It assists teams in documenting and reviewing the alignment between a student's measurable postsecondary goals, course selections, community-based experiences, graduation planning, and individualized needs. This resource is intended to support planning and compliance efforts; however, each student's Course of Study should be developed based on their unique strengths, preferences, interests, needs, and postsecondary goals.

Please view and download this worksheet on the ADE/ESS Secondary Transition webpage, under “Trending Topics.” We hope that this resource assists PEAs in strengthening secondary transition planning and ensuring that students have a coordinated pathway toward postsecondary education, employment, and independent living outcomes.

Questions about secondary transition planning or the CoS Planning Worksheet can be directed to the ESS Secondary Transition Inbox.

We have some exciting news! Secondary Transition Regional Trainings are back, and due to high demand, we’ve added a Tucson training date in April 2026!

The ADE/ESS Program Support & Monitoring (PSM) unit and the Secondary Transition Team are partnering to deliver in-person professional development focused on current secondary transition requirements and best practices. This training will help you navigate and apply effective strategies to strengthen transition plans.

What you’ll gain:

• A clear understanding of transition planning requirements
• Insights into the impact of the 2024 Arizona State Board of Education rule changes
• Proven strategies for effective planning

This training is designed for school administrators, educators, and staff involved in transition services.

Please select only one session. All sessions cover the same content and will not be recorded.

Title:
Getting Ahead to Go Beyond: Secondary Transition Changes and Considerations

Phoenix Trainings:

• Wednesday, February 11, 2026
• Thursday, February 12, 2026

Times:

• Morning Session: 9:00–11:30 a.m.
• Afternoon Session: 12:30–3:00 p.m.

Register for a training session in Phoenix.

Tucson Training (New):

• Thursday, April 29, 2026, from 10:00 am–12:30 pm

Register for the training session in Tucson.

Space is limited. Registration links are location specific.

For questions, please email the Secondary Transition team.

The ADE/ESS Secondary Transition Team is excited to continue our 2025-2026 Transition Tuesday webinar series! This engaging webinar series is designed to empower students, educators, and families by connecting them with community resources and experts who support the secondary transition planning process. 

We’ve curated an enriching lineup of guest speakers for the 2025–2026 series, all focused on enhancing postsecondary success for youth and young adults with disabilities. 

Mark your calendars! 
December 2, 2025, at 2:30 PM 

Title: Putting the Transition Plan Course of Study into Action 

Description: Join us for an engaging session that demystifies the process of developing a meaningful course of study. See how the transition course of study unfolds in real-world student scenarios that integrate student schedules, transition goals, and activities. Through examples and discussion, participants will explore how to individualize coursework pathways throughout high school that support each student’s future goals. 

Presenter: Heidi Sinkovic – Director of Student Services, Tempe Union High School District 

Presenter Bio: Heidi Sinkovic is the Director of Student Services for the Tempe Union High School District and has over 20 years of experience in education, including 14 years as a Special Education Director. She serves as co-chair of the Arizona Department of Education’s Special Education Advisory Panel and has expertise in special education, school improvement, and federal grant management. 

Don’t miss out! 
Join us to gain valuable insights, build connections, and strengthen your transition planning efforts. 

Please note: This Zoom session will not be recorded. Live attendance is encouraged to benefit fully from the presentation and resources. 

Please email the ADE/ESS Secondary Transition team with any questions. We look forward to your participation! 

Secondary Transition regional trainings are back! The ADE/ESS Program Support & Monitoring (PSM) unit and the Secondary Transition Team are partnering to offer in-person training on current secondary transition-related requirements and best practices. This professional development session will help you understand compliance and apply effective strategies to strengthen transition plans. 

Participants will gain insights into transition planning requirements, the impact of the 2024 Arizona State Board of Education rule change, and proven strategies for effective planning. This training is designed for school administrators, educators, and staff involved in transition services. 

Choose one session that fits your schedule. All sessions cover the same content and will not be recorded. 

Title: Getting Ahead to Go Beyond: Secondary Transition Changes and Considerations 

Dates: 

• Thursday, December 11, 2025 

• Wednesday, February 11, 2025 

• Thursday, February 12, 2025 

Times: 

• Morning Session: 9:00–11:30 a.m. 

• Afternoon Session: 12:30–3:00 p.m. 

Location: ADE South Campus 

Address: 1535 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007 

Space is limited—secure your spot today! 

For questions, please contact Secondary Transition at [email protected]. 

In line with the end of the 24-25 school year, ADE/ESS would like to offer a reminder of the Arizona State Board of Education’s (SBE) rule changes related to secondary transition planning and graduation:                                                                                      

• The student’s estimated graduation date must be included in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and aligned with their transition plan (A.A.C. R7-2-401(G)(4)(A)(c)).
• Schools are required to provide written notification to parents of a student’s anticipated graduation date at least one year before the expected high school graduation date (A.A.C. R7-2-401(G)(4)(A)(c)(i)).

If you have students who are expected to graduate in May 2026, it is time to provide written notification to parents.

The ADE/ESS Secondary Transition team is introducing “Getting Ahead to Go Beyond,” Arizona’s initiative to promote effective best practices to increase graduation rates and influence postsecondary success. Please visit the Secondary Transition Services Rule Change webpage for more information, guidance, and resources.

Thank you for your attention to these critical updates.

Are you interested in learning more about the recent Arizona State Board of Education (SBE) rule change that affects secondary transition services?  

ADE/ESS has launched a new webpage that provides essential information and resources about this rule change. The webpage can be accessed through the following link to access background information, the next steps for public education agencies (PEAs), and the November 2024 Special Education Professionals Check-In presentation. 

We also invite you to register for and attend the in-person training hosted by the ADE/ESS Program Support & Monitoring unit and the Secondary Transition Teams. This training will cover the new Arizona State Board of Education Rule Change for Secondary Transition Services. 

Download the training flyer to share this opportunity.  

As the new school year approaches, we encourage you to ask yourself if Secondary Transition training would be helpful for you or your staff. Whether it's a quick refresher or an in-depth professional development opportunity, the ADE/ESS team has various training options available to help meet the unique best practice needs of your school or region.

We look forward to working together this year to help to improve Secondary Transition outcomes for students across Arizona. Please email the Secondary Transition team with any questions.

Special Education Directors,

The ADE/ESS is pleased to announce the opening of registration for Arizona's 2021 IDEA Virtual Conference, Renewal: Resilience to Results, scheduled for September 13–15, 2021.

The conference registration fee for professionals is $100.00 and can be paid by credit card, check, or purchase order.

Information about conference keynotes can be found on the conference webpage, which will continue to be updated throughout the summer.

Questions about the conference or registration can be sent to [email protected].

Hello Educators,

With the start of the 2020–2021 school year, obstacles and unique barriers may be faced by staff working with transition-aged youths. The ADE/ESS Secondary Transition Team would like to invite you to tune into the Transition Tuesdays series. These sessions are intended to share information and strategies that will support the transition planning process throughout the pandemic and beyond.

Details for the upcoming Transition Tuesdays session:

Office Hours

October 20, 2020 at 2:30 p.m.

Do you have questions about Secondary Transition? Join us this fall for one of our virtual office hours. These one-hour informal meetings are opportunities to discuss transition planning topics and brainstorm strategies with Secondary Transition Specialists and other AZ educators.

Registration is required for all Transition Tuesday sessions.

Please view this flyer for upcoming Transition Tuesday sessions with updated details.

Email the Secondary Transition Team with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you there!