Post-Secondary Transition

What happens after high school?

Transition planning helps students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. A Transition Plan must be included in every student’s IEP by the end of 9th grade or by age 16, whichever comes first. The purpose of a transition plan is to help teens prepare to be independent young adults once they complete high school. Tempe Union High School District begins working with students to explore their strengths, preferences, interests, and needs during 9th grade. A Transition Plan is about more than just employment and college — it covers daily life skills, too.

Transition Planning Requirements in Arizona include:

Information about a student’s strengths, preferences, interests, and needs derived from age-appropriate transition assessments
Measurable Postsecondary Goals (MPGs)
A coordinated set of activities. These may include learning new skills, accessing services and support in the school or community, participating in school or community leisure activities, and taking specific courses.
A course of study outlining projected classes the student will take to work toward graduation and their postsecondary goals.
IEP Goals that are aligned with the transition plan

For more information about Transition plan requirements under the IDEA and in Arizona, visit the AZ Department of Education transition webpage: https://www.azed.gov/specialeducation/transition/

Transfer of Rights

In Arizona, the transfer of rights for students with disabilities occurs when they turn 18, at which point they are legally considered adults. This means the student assumes responsibility for their education decisions, including those related to special education services, unless they have a legal guardian. Prior to the student turning 18, parents or guardians make educational decisions on the student's behalf.

At least one year before the student turns 18, the school is required to notify both the student and their parents about this change in rights. The student is also informed about their right to make decisions and to invite individuals who may assist in making decisions, if needed. This transfer of rights helps ensure that the student has a clear understanding of their responsibilities as they transition into adulthood and continue receiving services.

Summary of Performance (SOP)

Before a student graduates or reaches the age where they are no longer eligible for special education services (22), a summary of their academic progress and how they function in daily life must be created and provided to the student when they exit high school. This summary includes recommendations to help the student achieve their future goals, such as finding a job or continuing their education after they have completed school. Students will receive the Summary of Performance before exiting high school from their IEP case manager.

Post School Outcomes (PSO) Survey

All Arizona schools are required to contact students who had an IEP in effect at the time of exiting high school to take the Post School Outcomes (PSO) Survey one year after leaving school.The PSO Survey is a 14 question survey designed to collect information about a student’s engagement in post-secondary training, education, or employment after high school The data is submitted to the AZ Department of Education annually.

For more information about the survey visit the ADE PSO webpage: https://www.azed.gov/specialeducation/transition/post-school-outcomes/