Families, Educators, and Agencies Working Together for Stronger Student Transitions

The resources here, are for schools, families, and community groups to help students get ready for life after high school. This includes attending college, securing a job, or living on their own.

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Engaging Key Stakeholders

We have designed this website to support all transition stakeholders with resources to support student outcomes.

State Resource Map

Collaboration of key stakeholders is essential to ensure high-quality transition programming for students with disabilities. Effective collaboration among stakeholders leads to a successful transition from high school to adult outcomes related to education/training, employment, and independent living.

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For Students

Keeping students at the center of the transition planning process is at the heart of what we do.

You're getting ready for what's next, like college, job training, or living on your own, and your IEP team will help you make a plan. They'll look at what you're good at, what you enjoy, and what you want to do. Then, they'll help you take steps to reach your goals for life after high school. Use this site to find information about:

  • Engaging in Transition Planning
  • Planning for Further Education and Training
  • Planning for Employment
  • Planning for Adult Living

For Families/Caregivers

Families and caregivers are on a student’s team for life. Their engagement in the transition planning process helps ensure a seamless transition to adulthood.

You’ve supported your child through key educational decisions, and now your insight matters more than ever. PA Secondary Transition equips you and your IEP team with tools and guidance to build transition plans that support and open doors to higher education, skill-building programs, inclusive workplaces, and stronger community connections. Families can benefit from:

  • Learning about the transition planning process
  • Speaking with other families going through the transition process
  • Learning ways to support transition skill development at home
  • Feeling like a valued team member
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Agency/Community Partners

Establishing partnerships with personnel from multiple agencies is an important step in addressing the transition needs of students with disabilities.

PA Secondary Transition enhances collaboration among agencies by providing shared tools, data-informed practices, and coordinated guidance. From training materials to collaborative frameworks, everything we offer is designed to make interagency work clearer, smarter, and centered on student outcomes. Interagency collaboration is a means to:

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  • Coordinate services and supports
  • Identify and address gaps in services within the community
  • Share and leverage resources to reduce costs
  • Promote efficient service delivery

For Educators

All educators supporting students with disabilities are a key bridge in delivering transition requirements.

Using age-appropriate assessments, individualized planning, and measurable postsecondary IEP goals, you help students prepare for education, employment, and greater independence after high school. PA Secondary Transition supports your efforts with tools, training, and statewide resources designed to strengthen every part of the transition process. Transition planning for educators involves:

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  • Age-appropriate assessment
  • Goals in the areas of education/training, employment, and independent living
  • Services and activities
  • Aligned course of studies

Latest Events

Check out our training calendar for more opportunities to learn.

Helpful Tools and Learning Resources

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Tip Sheet

Council for Exceptional Children's DCDT Fast Fact on Community-Based Vocational Exploration and Learning
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Video

What is Self Awareness
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Video

Transition Planning with Assistive Technology
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Video

Housing Services for Independent Living
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Video

Self-Determination Development

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