Expect, Engage, and Empower: Successful Transitions for All! (U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, OSEP)

Description:

As young adults prepare to move from school to postsecondary education, community living, and competitive integrated employment, effective transition planning can help them become independent, productive adults. Identifying the challenges children and youth will face as adults and preparing and assisting them to meet those demands successfully requires careful transition planning. Beginning at the earliest ages, it becomes imperative to balance realism of current levels of performance and functioning with high expectations for future possible successes and achievements. It is important to begin the transition planning process early to allow time for planning and accessing the support services needed in the future. The Supreme Court's decision in Endrew F v. Douglas County clarified that IDEA requires progress toward challenging objectives in light of the child's circumstances.  Therefore, families and practitioners must raise their expectations beyond the student just getting by academically and functionally.