WHAT IS TRANSITION? Transition is the process that involves a partnership among students, school-age services, post-school services, and local communities.  The overall goal of transition is to enhance a student's employability, independent living, integration, and community participation.

WHEN SHOULD TRANSITION PLANNING BE CONDUCTED?  According to Illinois Public Act 86-1218, which became law on August 30, 1990, school districts are responsible for initiating the transition process by the school year in which students reach 14 years of age. Transition planning is a formal process that should occur each school year in conjunction with the development of the annual Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN TRANSITION PLANNING?  Students, parents, IEP team members from the school, community service providers, and other agencies providing post-school services should be involved in the transition planning process.

WHAT ROLE SHOULD STUDENTS AND PARENTS PLAY IN TRANSITION PLANNING?   Students and parents play a significant role in directing transition planning. Transition planning is the opportunity to evaluate and anticipate post-school goals and begin the process of building the foundation to achieve those goals by establishing important linkages. Both students and parents can establish goals by identifying career-related interests, desires for residential options, and integration/community participation opportunities with the assistance of the transition team.