IDEA 1997 Transition Issues. Parent Brief.

NCSET, Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, 6 Pattee Hall, 150 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. For full text: http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=423.

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Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC.

Parents

Agency Cooperation; Disabilities; Education Work Relationship; Educational Legislation; Federal Legislation; Individualized Education Programs; Individualized Transition Plans; Parent Role; School Responsibility; Secondary Education; Student Needs; Teamwork; Transitional Programs

This brief for parents discusses the transition of students with disabilities from the structured environment of school to the post-school world and transition requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997. It begins by explaining the importance of transition planning and decision-making and the need for parents, students, educators, and community service providers to work together to support the student in planning for and achieving his or her adult goals. Requirements under IDEA are then described and include: (1) beginning at age 14, determining what instruction and educational experiences will help the student prepare for the transition from school to adult life; (2) beginning at age 16, including a statement of needed transition services for the student in the Individualized Education Program (IEP); and (3) special factors that the IEP team is required to consider, including behavior that impedes learning, limited English proficiency, Braille needs, communication needs, and assistive technology. The role of the IEP transition team and the specific roles of students, parents, special education and general education teachers, other school personnel, and other service agencies, are described. (CR)

2003

ED469045