Transition outcomes for each individual student will vary according to the student’s desires,
goals, talents, and interests. School systems are responsible for assuring that transition planning
becomes a component of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) beginning at age 14;
however, it may be necessary to start transition planning much earlier in order to allow the
student to achieve meaningful post-school outcomes. The purpose of the transition plan is to
outline what the student needs to accomplish in order to achieve his/her goals for future
independent living, employment, continued education, and recreational interests. The transition
section of the IEP must be reviewed and updated annually. The transition team should include
the student, family members, school personnel, adult service providers and anyone else that
would represent the student’s interests and needs and contribute to the transition plan. At age 14,
the IEP team identifies a student’s transition service needs. Some of the content or topics that
may be included are