CSDE/SERC Parent Session: What Parents Need to Know about Secondary Transition Planning Services

"What is the student's dream for life after high school?" Parents and other family members are vital to the transition planning process, especially because a student’s ethnicity and culture must be considered when developing a plan for secondary transition. To become informed participants in the transition process, family members must know about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) regulations specific to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and transition services at the secondary level, as well as about adult service agencies that can provide supports.

Secondary Transition Specialists are currently available for presentations to families of students with disabilities at the middle and high school levels about the basics of secondary transition planning and services. Family members learn how the transition IEP is supported by other district initiatives, including Student Success Plans and the CT Core Standards. In addition, families learn how to use a variety of transition documents (Building a Bridge, Transition Bill of Rights, CT CORE Transition Skills) to support students in the transition to adult life.

These presentations can be customized to meet the needs of a particular target audience. Parent nights, transition expos, and PTA/SEPTA meetings are ideal opportunities to offer this information. School districts as well as private and state agencies are welcome to request this free, unique professional learning experience. For more information contact Missy Wrigley, Consultant at the State Education Resource Center (SERC) at wrigley@ctserc.org.