Читать книгу Creating Effective IEPs - Nancy Burton - Страница 13

IDEA 2004 stipulates that transition planning must be a part of every IEP. The transition plan is not a separate document but is a mandatory part of every IEP document. The intent of the Individualized Transition Plan (ITP as it is often called) is to assist the student in his or her transition from high school to postsecondary activities including postsecondary education, vocational education, and employment, for example. As mandated by IDEA 2004, transition planning must begin with the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16 years of age. It may begin earlier if the IEP Team agrees it is appropriate to do so. Once the planning begins, however, it is to be updated annually until the student exits the public school system. It should be noted that the student should have a significant role in the development of his or her transition planning. In fact, legislation requires that the local education agency (LEA) invite the student if a purpose of the meeting is to consider postsecondary goals.

At a minimum, the ITP must include the following components:

 Appropriate, measurable postsecondary goals related to independent living skills

 Appropriate, measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessment related to training, education, and employment

 Transition services (including courses of study) needed to assist the student in reaching postsecondary goals identified on the IEP