Connecticut State Department of Education

Teacher of the Year Ceremony
Due to inclement weather, the Teacher of the Year Ceremony has been postponed to December 16, 2025 from 5-7pm. Doors will open at 4pm. The Ceremony will take place at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, and the order of events will remain the same.

Secondary Transition Overview

Pursuant to state statute, effective July 1, 2021, transition services are required for each child requiring special education beginning not later than the first individualized education program (IEP) to be in effect when such child turns 14 years of age, or younger if determined appropriate by the planning and placement team (PPT), and updated annually thereafter.

The IEP shall include (A) Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training/education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills; and (B) the transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist such student in reaching those goals.

Pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) § 300.43:

  1. Transition services means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that
    1. Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child's movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;
    2. Is based on the individual child's needs, taking into account the child's strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes –
      1. Instruction;
      2. Related services;
      3. Community experiences;
      4. The development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives; and
      5. If appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation.
  2. Transition services for children with disabilities may be special education, if provided as specially designed instruction, or a related service, if required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education.

For more information, please visit the CSDE Website: Secondary Transition – Planning from School to Adult Life.