How will my student’s IEP be used to support postsecondary transition planning?

Yes! There are specific timelines and tools to be aware of as you start to think about what the school should be providing with support for your student to plan for transition beyond high school.

Age 14 - Transition Planning Form (M 28/9)

In Massachusetts, "Transition Planning" must start at age 14 (Massachusetts Sessions Laws Chapter 285).

• DESE provides a specific Transition Planning Form ([M 28/9](https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/28MR/28m9.docx)).

• This must be updated annually alongside the IEP.

• The Transition Planning Form is not the same as the IEP - nothing in the Transition Form is legally binding for the school to implement (whereas the IEP is a legally binding document).

• The Transition Form will be used to develop the Transition IEP.

• Activities must be based on the individual student's needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes ([34 CFR 300.43 (a)(2)](https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.43/a/2)):

  • Instruction

  • Related services

  • Community experiences

  • The development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives

  • If appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation

Vision Statement: In the Transition Form and the Transition IEP must include at least (34 CFR 300.320(b)(1)):

• One measurable postsecondary goal in the area of education/training;

• One measurable postsecondary goal in the area of employment;

• If appropriate, one measurable postsecondary goal in the area of independent living.

Age 14 Transition IEP

Transition IEP Purpose: focused on what the school needs to do to prepare for future needs of the student beyond high school. [Federal Law 300.320(b)](https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.320/b)

• The student must participate in this IEP meeting (Federal Regulations Title 34 Section 300.321)

• Schools are required to ensure compliance that students' IEPs include post-secondary goals, the student was a part of the transition meetings, and that these goals are updated annually. Federal Law 20 1416(a)(3)(B)

Transition IEP Goals: focus on future training and/or education needs. Must list services needed to assist the student in achieving the student's post-secondary goals. (Federal Regulations 300.320(b)). According to Federal Regulations 300.320 (b)(1), goals must be:

• appropriate

• measurable (i.e. countable)

• annually updated

• based upon age-appropriate transition assessment

• express the student's future intentions in each of the areas of education/training, employment, and — if appropriate — independent living.

Age 16 - Referral Form

Chapter 688 Referral Form:

• Fill this out at least two years BEFORE the student expects to graduate from high school (or turn 22).

• A referral for services may be needed with another state agency post-high school.

~Ages 16/17 - Age of Majority Statement

Student signs this no later than 12 months before the student turns 18. (Federal Regulations Section 300.320(c))

• This statement declares that the student is informed of his/her rights and that these rights will transfer at age 18.

• At age 18, the student has the right to approve or deny the IEP and signs for themself.

• Summary of Performance - must be provided when a student exists a school system (ages out or obtains diploma). (Federal Regulations Section 300.305(e)(3))