Secondary Transition Resources

Secondary transition services in special education are a coordinated set of activities designed to help students with disabilities successfully transition from high school to post-school life. These services, typically provided for students ages 15-21, focus on preparing them for further education, employment, and independent living through individualized support and goal-oriented planning.

Key Components of Secondary Transition Services:

  • Post-Secondary Education & Training – Assisting students in exploring and preparing for college, vocational training, or other educational opportunities.

  • Employment Preparation – Teaching job skills, career exploration, resume building, and providing work-based learning experiences.

  • Independent Living Skills – Developing essential life skills such as money management, transportation, housing, and self-advocacy.

  • Community Participation – Encouraging social skills, recreation, and access to community resources.

  • Self-Determination & Advocacy – Empowering students to take an active role in planning their future and making informed decisions about their education and career goals.

Secondary Transition planning provides opportunities for students with disabilities to experience positive post-school outcomes, such as:

  • higher graduation rate

  • lower dropout rates

  • increased enrollment in colleges and universities

  • higher rates of competitive employment

  • increase levels of independence

Important Ages and Milestones

Adult and Community Agencies 

Voting Rights and Responsibilities

Transition Planning

Transition Services for 18-21 Year Olds

Graduation and Diplomas

Grading and Transcripts

For Teachers: Writing Meaningful Transition IEPs:

PARENT Learning Modules for Understanding Transition

https://ed.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/resources/secondary-transition-special-education-services-for-youth-ages-15-21/transitiontrainingforparents 

Accountability, Municipal Sharing, Efficiency and Equity