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Secondary Transition
What is Secondary Transition?
It is the process of preparing students for adult life after they leave high school and can be thought of as a bridge between school programs and the opportunities of adult life, including higher education or training, employment, independent living and community participation. 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
Indicator 13
Indicator 13 data [a compliance indicator for transition plan requirements documented in Individual Education Programs (IEPs)] is collected and reported by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) through electronic record reviews. These reviews are conducted by Administrative Unit (AU) staff through the use of the Exceptional Student Services Unit Data Management System (ESSU DMS).
Indicator 14
Indicator 14 measures state performance on the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment of students with IEPs.
Summary of Performance
The Summary of Performance IDEA 2004, Sec. 614(c)(5)(B)(ii): a.Provides information to students who are graduating with a regular diploma to assist them in meeting their postsecondary goals; and b.Provides information to students who are leaving school because they exceed the age of eligibility for a free appropriate public education (end of semester in which they turn 21) to assist them in meeting their postsecondary goals. For students with an active IEP leaving high school for any reason other than the attainment of a regular diploma or through exceeding the age of eligibility, an eligibility review must be completed. Although not explicitly required by IDEA, if the review determines the student will exit, CDE recommends that a Summary of Performance be completed and provided to the student.
ICAP
Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) is a multi-year process that intentionally guides students as they explore career, academic and post-secondary opportunities. With the support of adults, students develop the awareness, knowledge, attitudes and skills to create their own meaningful and PoWeRful pathways to be career and college ready. Senate Bill 09-256 was enacted into law with a requirement that by September, 2011, all students, grades 9-12 would have access to a system within their high school to create and manage an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). Final rules defining the requirements for ICAP were adopted by the State Board of Education in January, 2010.
- Technical Assistance: Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and the Individual Education Program (PDF)
- Individual Career and Academic Plan Website for Additional Information
- Crosswalk ICAP with Legislation and Colorado Rules on IEP (PDF)
What's New!
Person-Centered Planning
Join us in learning how to seamlessly incorporate Person-Centered Planning into your current transition processes.
Person-Centered Planning is a process that helps students with disabilities plan for their future while also promoting self-determination. Participants will learn planning strategies to help students identify their dreams, strengths, preferences, interests, and needs.
Sessions will include an overview of Person- Centered Planning and practice using a variety of Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) tools to help students reach their potential and their dreams.
Transition Training for Parents
Our 10-part training series and supporting documents will cover the transition requirements and process in detail. We want to equip parents, students, and staff to design and implement a meaningful transition plan to successfully launch their teen into adulthood with the needed support and services to achieve their dreams!
PSO Interview Postcards
The Post School Outcomes Interview Postcards are now available upon request: Request PSO Interview Post Cards (Google Doc)
Transition Talks
Each month, the CDE Secondary Transition Specialist will host Transition Talks covering a variety of topics related to effective secondary transition planning. Visit the Transition Talks webpage for dates and additional information.
Regional Meetings for Secondary Transition Personnel - We Need to Hear from You!
- What is going on in your region?
- What topics are relevant to you?
- What challenges are you facing?
- How might your state transition team assist you?
Please share your needs via the Secondary Transition Providers - link being updated. For immediate requests please email Kacy Little Owl.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized on December 3, 2004, and its provisions became effective on July 1, 2005. In conjunction with the reauthorization, the U. S. Department of Education, through the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), required states to develop State Performance Plans (SPPs). Seventeen indicators, on which data are submitted annually in an Annual Performance Report (APR) are included in the SPP. Indicator 13 data [a compliance indicator for transition plan requirements documented in Individual Education Programs (IEPs)] is collected and reported by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) through electronic record reviews. These reviews are conducted by Administrative Unit (AU) staff through the use of the Exceptional Student Services Unit Data Management System (ESSU DMS).
IDEA and ECEA Regulations
“Percent of youth with IEPs aged 16 and above with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals that are annually updated and based upon an age-appropriate transition assessment, transition services, including courses of study, that will reasonably enable the student to meet those postsecondary goals, and annual IEP goals related to the student’s transition services needs. There also must be evidence that the student was invited to the IEP Team meeting where transition services are to be discussed and evidence that, if appropriate, a representative of any participating agency was invited to the IEP Team meeting with the prior consent of the parent or student who has reached the age of majority.” (20 U.S.C. 1416(a)(3)(B)). There is an exception to this age requirement in Colorado. ECEA Rules 4.03(6)(d)(i) states that a transition plan is required, “beginning with the first IEP developed when the child is age 15, but no later than the end of 9th grade, or earlier if deemed appropriate by the IEP Team, and updated annually.”
State Results & SPP/APR Targets
Transition Record Review Resources
- To review more information on the Transition Record Review process visit CDE's General Supervision webpage
- Standard Record Review Protocol (PDF)
- Standard Record Review Instructions (PDF)
- State Performance Plan / Annual Performance Report
SY2023-24 Post School Outcomes Interview
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and Administrative Units (AUs) conduct a survey every school year to learn how parents are involved in their child’s special education program. Please refer to the short webinar and the survey guide below:
Training Video
Definition
Indicator 14 measures state performance on the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment of students with IEPs. Specifically, the federal measure is defined as:
The percent of youth who are no longer in secondary school, had IEPs in effect at the time they left school, and were:
A. enrolled in higher education within one year of leaving high school;
B. enrolled in higher education or competitively employed within one year of leaving high school;
C. enrolled in higher education or in some other post-secondary education or training program; or competitively employed or in some other employment within one year of leaving high school.1
IDEA 2004 requires the State to report its performance compared to state targets for indicator 14. Below is the link to view how the State of Colorado performed on all Indicators in our report to OSEP, the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR).
Post-School Outcomes (PSO) Timeline
Spring 2025 dates coming soon!
- Samples available - May 1, 2024
- Interview Window Opens: June 1, 2024
- Interview Window Closes: September 30, 2024
(Interviews complete and information recorded in DMS)
Helpful Post School Outcome Documents
- Colorado's Current (2024) PSO Survey Protocol (PDF)
- PSO Interview Postcards (Updating for Summer 2025)
- The PSO Interview Postcards will print best on letter sized cardstock.
- Definitions of PSO Engagement Categories (PDF)
- PSO Sample Letter (English) (PDF)
- PSO Sample Letter (Spanish) (PDF)
- PSO Student Contact Form (PDF)
- NPSO Contacting Hard to Find Youth Strategies (PDF)
- NPSO Branding Post-School Outcomes (PDF)
Annual Performance Reporting for Indicator 14 (SPP/APR)
Indicator 14 State Results and SPP/APR Targets
The feedback period has closed, and this video is included for information on the target-setting process (the Indicator 14 section starts at 00:06:56).
Guidance & Technical Assistant Documents
Writing Secondary Transition IEPs
Adult and Community Agencies
Important Ages and Milestones
- TA: Important Ages and Milestones 12-2023 (English) (PDF)
- TA: Important Ages and Milestones (Spanish) (PDF)
Concurrent Enrollment
- TA: Concurrent Enrollment (English) (PDF) - Document being revised
- TA: Concurrent Enrollment IDEA/Students with Disabilities FAQ (PDF) - Document being revised
- TA: Concurrent Enrollment (Spanish) (PDF)
Grading and Transcripts
Graduation and Diplomas
Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP)
School to Work Alliance Program
- TA: School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) (English) (PDF)
- TA: School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) (Spanish) (PDF)
Student Count Requirements for 18-21 Year Old Students
- TA: Student Count Requirements for 18-21-Year-Old Students (English) (PDF)
- TA: Student Count Requirements for 18-21-Year-Old Students (Spanish) (PDF)
Transfer for Students Receiving 18-21 Transition Services
- TA: Transfer for Students Receiving 18-21 Transition Services (English) (PDF)
- TA: Transfer for Students Receiving 18-21 Transition Services (Spanish) (PDF)
Transition Services for 18-21-Year-Olds
- TA: Transition Services for 18-21-Year-Olds (English) (PDF)
- TA: Transition Services for 18-21-Year-Olds (Spanish) (PDF)
Transition Planning
Voting Rights and Responsibilities
Please reference the Secondary Transition Support Trainings and Opportunities (PDF) to view the various professional development and technical assistance opportunities available upon request.
- Secondary Transition Support Trainings and Opportunities (PDF)
- Secondary Transition Training & Technical Assistance Request Form - form is being updated. For immediate requests please email Kacy Little Owl.
Upcoming Events
Coming Soon!
Online Trainings
More Coming Soon!
Transition Training for Parents
Our 10-part training series and supporting documents will cover the transition requirements and process in detail. We want to equip parents, students, and staff to design and implement a meaningful transition plan to successfully launch their teen into adulthood with the needed support and services to achieve their dreams!
Secondary Transition 101: Writing Meaningful IEPS
This three part series will guide educators on how to write meaningful IEPs. Module 1 Provides an introduction to secondary transition requirements. Module discusses the components of a meaning secondary transition IEP. While Module 3 is an in depth six-part series about transition planning.
Past Recordings
More coming soon!
Assistive Technology for Employment: An Introduction to Technology Options to Support Transitioning Youth
Jim Sandstrum provides an overview and introduction to Assistive Technologies, which have the potential to improve employment outcomes for youth with disabilities as they enter the workforce. Demonstration and examples include options in support of cognitive function, vision, hearing, mobility and mental health.
Writing Post-School Goals for Students with Significant Support Needs
Writing employment and training post-school goals for students with significant/complex needs is very challenging. This training offers guidance and examples to consider when writing post-school goals for students with significant/complex support needs.
Participants will learn:
- how to develop PSGs for students with significant/complex support needs.
- to consider what a meaningful day means when developing PSGs.
- to consider natural and community supports to meet students’ needs.
The CDE Secondary Transition Team is committed to supporting schools and families, we have collected resources and tools specific to secondary transition that may be useful as you plan for students.
Assessment Resources
- Indiana Secondary Transition Assessment Matrix You may choose assessment tools by topic area, grade level of the study, and disability type. The matrix will bring up all assessments that match your selected criterion.
- NTACT: Collaborative Assessment Guide for Transition Planning Services website - This toolkit provides an explanation of transition assessment, explains why transition assessments should be conducted, how to select transition assessment tools, and how to conduct transition age-appropriate transition assessment. In addition, it provides examples of informal and formal transition assessments.
Career/Employment
- 50 Videos for Career Path Explorations From the arts to science to religion, introduce students to a variety of careers with KQED, BAVC and Salesforce resources. Use these videos to inspire young people to discover careers and explore possible career paths.
- CareerOneStop video collection CareerOneStop's video collection allows individuals to learn about careers, industries, skills and abilities, or work options and education levels.
- Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center The website includes a wide variety of short career exploration videos. Some demonstrate the job activities and the type of workplace environment employees would be expected to work in; others interview an employee about their work, their career preparation, and what they enjoy about working in their fields.
- Next Vista for Learning - Career videos 1000s of videos about various careers such as health and fitness, history and culture, math, performing arts, etc.
- ONET - (get link from resources page)
Families
- Center for Parent Information and Resources
- Job Tips
- National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET)
- National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability
- National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT)
- O NET O*Net (. . .occupational guide to understanding the full scope of roles and skills needed for many careers and jobs)
- PACER National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
- Peak Parent Center
- Personal Assistance Services of Colorado (PASCO)
Helpful Online Resources
- Project 10 Transition Education Network - Online Transition-Related Resources (PDF) This list of resources supports teachers and transition stakeholders who are teaching and providing transition services to students with disabilities through distance learning methods.
- Division of Career Development and Transition
- National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET)
- National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT)
- O NET O*Net (occupational guide to understanding the full scope of roles and skills needed for many careers and jobs)
- Office of Postsecondary Readiness
- Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
- Peak Parent Center
- Transition Coalition
- Additional Resources for Providing Secondary Transition Services
Independent Living
- Project 10 Transition Education Network These resources provide information and resources for school professionals, students and families regarding independent living options and strategies for students with disabilities. Resources are included for financial literacy, health, housing, leisure and recreation, and transportation.
- Self-Determination – I’m determined Focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior. This project facilitates youth, especially those with disabilities to undertake a measure of control in their lives, helping to set and steer the course rather than remaining the silent passenger.
- Zarrow Center for Learning Enrichment – Self-Awareness, Self-Advocacy, and Self-Determination Transition education resources to build students’ self-awareness, self-advocacy, and self-determination.
National Resources
- Transition Assessment Websites (PDF)
- Coordinating Transition Services and Postsecondary Access Guidance on Requirements Under the IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act, January 2025 from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) website.
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT) Tools and Technical Assistance
Assistive Technology Resources
Postsecondary Education/Outcomes
- Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center Postsecondary Education Resources The resources listed include a variety of publications, links to helpful organizations, fact sheets, and checklists pertaining to students with disabilities who are either planning to attend or who are exploring the possibilities of attending college after graduating from high school.
- Project 10 Transition Education Network Assist students with disabilities to participate in postsecondary options that fit their interests and aptitudes.
Transition Continuum
Transition Record Review Resources
- To review more information on the Transition Record Review process visit CDE's General Supervision webpage
- Standard Record Review Protocol (PDF)
- Standard Record Review Instructions (PDF)
- State Performance Plan / Annual Performance Report
The Secondary Transition has three listservs which shares resources. The first listserv, TTL, provides training opportunities and information including current trends, research, and ongoing topics of interest related transition for transition coordinators, special education teachers, transition team leads, agency providers, parents etc. The second listserv, KTR, provides information and updates to special education directors and assistant directors. The third listserv, 18-21, provides updates and information to the 18-21 transition service providers. The purpose of these listservs is to facilitate connections, awareness, and access to information, learning opportunities, and resources that will better the lives of students in Secondary Transition and benefit the families, communities, and professionals who support them. Sharing of information is encouraged; however, it is at the discretion of the CDE what information will be posted. This service is chat-free and does not include advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. To subscribe to the Transition Listserv, please follow the directions below.
Join The TTL Listserv
To subscribe to the TTL listserv:
- Open a new email.
- In the “To” field, type the email TTL-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
- Once added, you will receive a confirmation email.
- If you have a problem, email Kacy Little Owl, Little_Owl_K@cde.state.co.us.
To unsubscribe from the TTL listserv:
- Open a new email.
- In the “To” field, type the email TTL-unsubscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us
- In the body of the message write, “unsubscribe Transition TTL” and send the message.
- You will automatically be unsubscribed.
Join The KTR Listserv
To subscribe to the KTR listserv:
- Open a new email.
- In the “To” field, type the email KTR-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
- Once added, you will receive a confirmation email.
- If you have a problem, email Kacy Little Owl at Little_Owl_K@cde.state.co.us.
To unsubscribe from the KTR listserv:
- Open a new email.
- In the “To” field, type the email KTR-unsubscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us
- In the body of the message write, “unsubscribe Transition-KTR” and send the message.
- You will automatically be unsubscribed.
Join The 18-21 Listserv
To subscribe to the 18-21 listserv:
- Open a new email.
- In the “To” field, type the email 18-21-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
- Once added, you will receive a confirmation email.
- If you have a problem, email Kacy Little Owl, Little_Owl_K@cde.state.co.us.
To unsubscribe from the 18-21 listserv:
- Open a new email.
- In the “To” field, type the email 18-21-unsubscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us
- In the body of the message write, “unsubscribe Transition-18-21” and send the message.
- You will automatically be unsubscribed.
Listserv Disclaimer:
A variety of learning opportunities, information, and resources are provided on this listserv. These materials do not represent an exhaustive list, nor are they required or endorsed by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The identification or description is for the purpose of providing information and resources and does not constitute CDE's endorsement. Every effort has been made to identify the citation for the resource; please maintain the citation and/or authorship when adapting or modifying these materials.
Kacy Little Owl
Secondary Transition Specialist
Email Kacy Little Owl
Phone: (720) 827-8283
Principal Consultant / Inter-Agency Transition Liaison
Email Katie Oliver
Phone: (720) 413-4006
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If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.
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