What is transition planning and when should it begin?

• A. Planning for postsecondary outcomes (education, employment, independent living); should begin by age 16
• B. Planning for transportation only; begin by age 12
• C. No transition planning is required
• D. Transition planning is only for students not in special education

Answer: (A)

Transition planning is about preparing a student with disabilities for life after high school by mapping out goals in education, employment, and independent living, and the services and experiences needed to reach those goals. This planning is embedded in the IEP and is designed to begin by age 16 (earlier if appropriate) so there’s time to coordinate supports and opportunities through high school and into adulthood. It is a comprehensive process, not just transportation, and it applies to students who have an IEP under the law, not to students not in special education.