Preparing for Life After High School

Secondary transition is the process of preparing students with disabilities for life after high school, in the areas of postsecondary education or training, employment, and community living. A transition plan is a student-centered document in the IEP, comprised of a student’s postsecondary goals in education, employment, and independent living, along with services and a course of study selected to facilitate attainment of those goals. Secondary Transition planning as a component of the IEP process, begins in DCPS no later than age 12, or grade 7, whichever comes first, to facilitate students’ success in college, career, and life.    

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.  

DCPS Transition collaborates with an array of stakeholders to coordinate and deliver supports and services designed to equip students with disabilities with the skills and knowledge they require to lead happy and productive lives. Examples may include:  

• For Students receiving IDEA Special Education services  
  • Career exploration counseling  
  • Work-based learning  
  • Counseling for enrollment in postsecondary education and training programs  
  • Workplace readiness training  
  • Transition coursework   
  • Individualized recommendations and resources aligned to goals  
• For Educators  
  • Targeted training and technical assistance  
  • IEP Transition plan development supports and plan reviews  
  • Proactive Indicator 13 monitoring protocols and corrective actions supports 
  • Summary of Performance guidance 
• For Parents/Supported Decision Makers  
  • Recommendations for engagement in the Transition process  
  • Information sessions  
  • Transition Programs onboarding support   
• For Community Agents  
  • Partnership opportunities  
  • Disability awareness  

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

If you have any questions about transition services, programs, and supports, please email the Transition team at [email protected].