Raising the Cap Series 
What is Transition
Transition is defined as the movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change. Transition services are intended to prepare students to move from the world of school to the world of adulthood.
Why do we transition youth with disabilities?
1. Transition is required under federal law, specifically, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004.
The purpose of IDEA 2004 is to insure a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services that meet a student’s unique needs to prepare him/her for postsecondary education, employment and independent living. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), defines transition services as:
A coordinated set of activities for a student, designed within a results oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation. The coordinated set of activities shall be based upon the individual student’s needs, taking into account the student’s strengths, preferences and interests, and shall include instruction, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and a functional vocational evaluation.
2. Planning for life after high school is an integral piece of quality education. We must align our efforts so our students benefit from both college and career preparation, learning the skills and knowledge necessary to be contributing members of our communities.