Secondary Transition
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Secondary Transition bridges school programs and adult life opportunities, such as higher education, employment, and independent living. This process is guided by a transition plan, as required by Indicator 13 of the IDEA Part B.
The Transition Planning Process:
The transition plan, which is part of the IEP for students with disabilities, is collaboratively developed with the IEP team, emphasizing the student's input. The team helps the student identify measurable postsecondary goals (MPGs), services, and supports using data from age-appropriate assessments. Student strengths are crucial in forming MPGs, and all transition plan requirements must be met.
IDEA Part B Indicators
There are 18 Indicators, four of which are related to Secondary Transition: Indicators 1, 2, 13, and 14
Graduation (Indicator 1)
Provides information on the number of students with disabilities who graduate from high school with a regular diploma. This is a performance indicator. The most frequently used resource for Indicator 1 is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Graduation of Students with Disabilities in Arizona’s Schools. This document explains what constitutes a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for transition-aged students, outlines Arizona’s graduation requirements for all students, and identifies the conditions that end a student’s right to FAPE. Arizona Technical Assistance System (AZ-TAS)
Dropout (Indicator 2)
Provides information on how many students with disabilities dropped out of high school. This is a performance indicator. The State establishes targets.
Secondary Transition Requirements (Indicator 13)
Transition services for students with disabilities are to be in effect in the IEP in place when the student ends 9th grade or age 16, whichever is first, or earlier, as determined necessary by the student’s IEP team. Required components include:
- Age-Appropriate Transition Assessments - Updated Transition Assessment-Wakelet
- Measurable Postsecondary Goals (MPGs)
- Coordinated Set of Activities
- Course of Study
- Aligned Annual IEP Goals
- Additional Requirements (Student Invitation, Outside Agency Participation, Update Plan Annually)
Note: Please reference Guide Steps (see pages 38-43) for the Secondary Transition Plan section.
Post School Outcomes Survey Requirements (Indicator 14)
All Arizona students with an IEP at high school exit will be contacted one year later to take the Post-School Outcomes (PSO) Survey. Conducted annually from June through September by the students' former school or district, this 14-question survey assesses the engagement of students who have exited high school in post-secondary education, training, or employment. Each public education agency (PEA) serving transition-aged students with disabilities must participate in the PSO Survey, which provides data for comprehensive analysis and enhancement of secondary transition programs at both state and local levels.
Secondary Transition Agreements
Partners: ADE, AZ Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and the Division of Developmental Disabilities
Partners: ADE and AZ RSA VR
Other Secondary Transition Requirements
Support and Technical Assistance
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Do you have questions about Secondary Transition? Do you need technical assistance, support, or professional development on Indicator 13? We want to hear from you!
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Secondary Transition Team Contact Information
Secondary Transition specialists provide services statewide and are based in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. For general questions, please email the Secondary Transition Inbox.
Mailing address:
1535 W. Jefferson Street, Bin #24
Phoenix, AZ 85007