Preparing for Life After High School

Secondary transition is the process of preparing students for life after they leave high school, including participation in post-secondary education or training, employment, and community living.  Secondary transition training begins in Pre-Kindergarten, with the ultimate outcome of students living independently based on their preferences, abilities and limitations.

Career Exposure - PreK-Grade 5

• Identify preferences
• Build employment vocabulary
• Practice teamwork skills
• Learn time management skills
• Practice classroom job skills
• Identify jobs in the community
• Identify skills needed for jobs
• Practice financial literacy

Career Exploration - Grades 6-8

• Identify potential careers
• Recognize personal abilities
• Identify personal limitations
• Practive workforce soft skills
• Identify skills needed for work
• Sample work in career interests
• Practive financial literacy
• Learn health care literacy

Career Experience - Grades 9-12

• Practice financial literacy
• Practice health care literacy
• Visit colleges & trade schools
• Build resume and cover letter
• Practice ethical behavior
• Experience paid work and interneships
• Identify supports needed for work or education with adult agency

DCPS has implemented a number of initiatives to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities and provide them with the opportunity to improve job skills, earn credits, and to learn the self-advocacy skills needed to live as independently as possible. 

For more information on special education programs and services in DCPS, please refer to the DCPS Special Education Family Guide.