Transition, Special Education Office, New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED)

Programs: Transition

One of the primary purposes of the IDEA is to ensure that children with exceptionalities are prepared for employment and independent living. At age 14, or sooner if appropriate, IEPs become future-directed. Part of the IEP team discussion and decision-making must focus on designing and implementing an educational program and experiences that prepare students for transition to adult life. These transition-planning activities are a required component of an IEP for students 14 and up. If a student will reach the age of 14 during the IEP year, transition planning for secondary coursework must be included in the IEP for that year.

Incorporating transition into the IEP includes early identification of, and planning for, the student's post-school goals by defining a course of study. Transition makes education relevant to the student and is driven by these beliefs:

The IEP represents and supports the vision of the student and the student's family.

Transition helps prepare the student for the changes and demands of life after school.

Transition is an ongoing and outcome-oriented process that includes commitment of resources and collaboration between people and agencies.

The family, school, and adult service agencies share responsibility for the transition.

Transition planning promotes relevant instructional objectives within the least restrictive environment, including community-based experiences as appropriate.

Transition services, therefore, must be a coordinated set of activities and/or strategies based on the student's needs, interests, and goals that includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school objectives, and when appropriate, the acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.

Beginning by age 14, the student's IEP must include a planned course of study, designed to select high school courses based on the student's post-school goals and graduation requirements. Students in New Mexico may graduate using one of three pathways to a diploma. The IEP team determines the most appropriate pathway based on the student's needs and impact of the exceptionality. A good place to learn more about the graduation pathways is the Pathways to the Diploma, technical assistance manual. To find out more about transition services and New Mexico Initiatives review the resources listed to the right.