"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." ~ Colin Powell
As you begin the secondary transition planning process, focus on the foundation - the student. As early as possible, the student must be brought into the secondary transition planning process and be encouraged to develop self-advocacy skills based on age-appropraite assessment as well as their interest, strengths and preferences. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that students be invited to the IEP meeting if the meeting is to discuss secondary transition planning and that student interests and preferences guide transition services.
Students need repeated opportunities to practice their self-advocacy skills in a supportive environment. The IEP process - including preparation, planning and implementation phase, provides an excellent opportunity to teach these skills.
As you work through the secondary transition section of your IEP process, think about how you will involve the student in each part of the planning process, thus developing their self-determination and self-advocacy skills. The student's secondary transition plan is about his/her dreams, goals and plans for his/her future.
Resources for Teachers
Federal Indicator #13
FAQs related to Indicator #13
IEP development for Secondary Transition
Secondary Transition Planning teacher training guide
Writing Compliance Approved Transition Goals
Informal Assessment Tools (printable worksheets)
Career Exploration
Functional/Vocational Skills
Work Readiness Student evaluation
Life skills assessment
Pre-Employment Checklist
Web-Based Tools for Teachers and Students
iSeek
My Next Move
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability
iTransition
Postsecondary Education Planning
Ready Set Go
Big Future - Get Ready for College
Going to College
Potential Age-Appropriate Transition Assessment Tools
Responsibility and Independence Scale for Adolescents
BRIGANCE Transition Skills Inventory (TSI)
Enderle Severson Transition Rating Scale
Transition Behavior Scale - good for students who have behaviors that can be problematic
Checklist of Adaptive Living Skills (CALS)
Employability Skills Inventory
Work Readiness Inventory (WRI) - Good for 7th - 9th graders
Transferable Skills Scale
Reading Free Vocational Interest Inventory - good for non-readers
Free Potential assessments
Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment
Career One Stop
It's My Choice
MORE Potential Age-Appropriate Transition Assessment Tools
*majority of content was taken directly from MDEs Transition Toolkit