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, part of the IEP, is collaboratively developed with the IEP team, focusing on 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 17 Indicators, four of which are related to Secondary Transition: Indicators 1, 2, 13, and 14

Summarized Descriptions of IDEA Part B Indicators

Post School Outcomes (PSO) Survey (Indicator 14) Requirements
All Arizona students with an IEP at high school exit will be contacted to take the Post-School Outcomes (PSO) Survey one year later. The survey, conducted by the student's former school or district, occurs annually from June through September.

ADE's High School Graduation Page
Graduation (Indicator 1) and Dropout (Indicator 2)

The Arizona State Board of Education sets high school graduation requirements, detailed in Title 7, Chapter 2 of The Arizona Administrative Code and State Board Rule R7-2-302. These standards apply to all Arizona students, including those with disabilities.

Secondary Transition Requirements 

Transition Planning (Indicator 13) Requirements:

Transition services for students 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:

1. Age-Appropriate Transition Assessments—Updated Transition Assessment-Wakelet
2. Measurable Postsecondary Goals (MPGs)
3. Coordinated Set of Activities
4. Course of Study
5. Aligned Annual IEP Goals
6. Additional Requirements (Student Invitation, Outside Agency Participation, Update Plan Annually)

Collaborative Partnerships

• Intergovernmental Agreement 
  • Partners: ADE, AZ Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and the Division of Developmental Disabilities 
•  Data Sharing Agreement
  • Partners: ADE and AZ RSA VR