Seven Things You Need to Know about Transition Assessments
by Pete & Pam Wright
Wrightslaw.com
Print this page
If you are like most parents, you struggle with questions like these:
- Will my child have the necessary knowledge and skills when he leaves high school?
- How can I ensure that my child is prepared to get a job or go to college?
- After my child leaves high school, will he be able to live independently and participate in the community?
In “Seven Things You Need to Know About Transition Assessments,” you’ll get answers to questions about transition assessments. These answers can smooth your child's path to life after school.
- What are transition assessments?
- How are transition assessments used?
- What tests will be included in my child's transition assessment?
- How old will my child be when the transition assessment begins?
- Who does transition assessments?
- What is my parental role?
- What is my child's role?
1. What are transition assessments?
Transition assessments is the term for a variety of tests, interviews and observations that identify your child’s interests, strengths, preferences, and priorities for adult living. A useful transition assessment should answer these questions:
- Where is the child now?
- Where is the child going? (goals)
- How will the child get there?(services)
Your team will assess your child in these areas:
- career awareness, workplace readiness, job-seeking strategies
- college and vocational education
- housing, food, clothing, health, physical care
A typical transition assessment might include:
- a review of existing information from the child’s file (e.g., intelligence and achievement data, data from school-wide testing, grades, and attendance);
- student and family interviews;
- interest assessment, personality or preference assessment; aptitude testing
2. What tests should be included in my child’s transition assessment?
Your child’s IEP team, which includes you as the parent, will make decisions about appropriate tests, given your child’s unique needs.
Your child’s transition assessment may include formal tests:
- general and specific aptitude tests
- adaptive behavior assessments
- interest and work values inventories
- intelligence tests and academic achievement tests
- personality and preferences tests
- career maturity or readiness tests
- self-determination assessments
The assessment may also include observations and interviews, including:
- structured student and family interviews
- environmental and situational observations
The IEP team should also assess your child’s adaptive behavior and self-determination skills, including skills in:
- goal setting
- problem solving
- self-advocacy
- independence and daily living skills
- communication and social skills
3. How will information from the transition assessment be used?
The IEP team will use data from the transition assessment to develop your child’s transition plan. The transition plan should include goals and services to help your child make the transition to life after school.
Transition services must be based on “the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests.” Transition services in the IEP may include:
- College and continuing education
- Vocational education
- Independent living and community participation
- Courses of study and advanced placement courses to prepare for future education
4. How old should my child be when the transition assessment process begins?
Your child’s transition is an ongoing process that should begin when she is in elementary school or middle school.
The school must use age-appropriate transition assessments to create measurable transition goals for the IEP in effect before your daughter turns 16. Some states require transition assessments and goals by age 14. The transition process may begin earlier.
The IEP team must update transition services annually. (34 CFR §300.320)
5. Who conducts transition assessments?
Several people are involved in transition assessments, including:
- teachers and paraprofessionals who work with your child
- speech and language pathologists, physical therapists, and school nurses
- counselors, social workers, and psychologists
- parents and other family members
6. What is my parental role in the transition assessment process?
As a parent, you have a unique perspective about your child. When you share information about your child, this helps the team select appropriate tests for the transition assessment.
You may be asked questions about what your child likes to do:
- What paid or non-paid work does your child enjoy and do well?
- What work-related skills has your child developed?
- Does your child participate in social groups with non-disabled children?
7. Does my child have a role?
Your child needs to be involved in the transition assessment process too. Encourage her to think about and discuss her strengths, interests, and preferences. Be patient.
References
From High School to College - Steps to Success for Students with Disabilities - by Elizabeth C. Hamblet
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT)
NTACT - Age Appropriate Transition Assessment Toolkit, 4th Ed. - University of North Carolina at Charlotte. (37 pages)
Revised: 2/24/2020
Created: 2/23/2020
