Functional Skills to Write IEP Goals For

Functional skills need IEP goals. Learn why they’re important and how to help your students gain the independence they’ll need.
How to Write the Transition Section of an IEP

Transition services must be addressed no later than the first IEP that will be in effect when the child turns 16, according to the IDEA (in some states it starts earlier). The transition services must be updated annually with the child’s annual IEP, and it is important that IEP teams begin planning for a student’s […]
25 Questions IEP Teams Should Ask When Transition Planning

Transition planning is essential for students with disabilities because it prepares them for life after high school, ensuring they have the skills, resources, and confidence to succeed independently in their next stage of life. Without a structured plan, students may struggle with further education, employment, and independent living tasks, leading to decreased opportunities and independence. […]
Administrator’s Role in Transition Planning

Administrators play a critical role in ensuring that transition planning is effective, legally compliant, and student-centered. Their leadership helps create an inclusive, supportive environment where students with disabilities receive the services and resources needed to succeed in post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Here are 7 ways administrators can support IEP teams during transition planning: […]
Options After High School for Special Ed Students

After high school, special education students have various pathways to consider for their future. Including the student in the decision-making process about their options after high school is a crucial aspect of the transition section of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). By involving the student in discussions and considerations regarding their future, their preferences, interests, […]
Skills to Add to Transition Surveys

When planning to transition from school to life after school, it is important for students with special needs to learn certain skills. These skills can help them have a successful and independent life. Some of the skills that should be included in a transition survey include the overarching skills of communication, self-advocacy, problem-solving, time management, […]
2 IEP Goals to Help Students with Transitioning Between Tasks

Transitioning from one activity to another can be challenging for some students. Supporting them in a way that makes sense begins with including the goal in their IEP. The examples below are a great place to start to make sure that your students can effectively transition to new activities and classes with minimal assistance. Why […]
Transitioning a Student From Elementary School to Middle School

Transitioning a student from elementary school to middle school can be a challenging task and emotionally charged time. When an IEP comes into play, there can be even more challenges as the expectations for greater independence are given by the school, but parents are used to the more intensive approach in the elementary grades. The […]
Transition Resources for Teachers

Transitioning from high school to the world can be a stressful thing for many students. Going from a setting where decisions are made for them and things are readily provided to the outside world where they must be able to fend for themselves or with limited assistance is scary. That’s why having solid transition services […]
9 Functional Skills for Independence

Functional skills are skills that students need in order to gain independence and live independently. They range from simple to complex, but all of them have one thing in common: they help the student prepare for the world outside of school. When including functional skills in an IEP, which is typically done in the Transition […]
Tips for Writing IEP Transition Plans

If you are teaching middle school or high school, you are very familiar with IEP transition plans. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) tells us that once a student turns 16 (younger in some states), they must have a transition plan written into their IEP. The purpose of a Transition IEP is to prepare […]
Why Transition IEPs Still Need Academic Goals

Transition – this is a word we hear a lot with our upper grades students in special education. Let’s start by going back to what the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) says about transition IEPs: IDEA 2004 tells us that transition goals must be included in a student’s IEP no later than when they […]