Once the IEP team has the assessment data documented and developed measurable postsecondary goals, the team then must determine which coordinated set of activities will support the student in reaching their postsecondary goals.

Transition services are the services that support the accomplishment of the postsecondary goal. They are inclusive of specially designed instruction, and they should include experiences, tasks, etc. that relate to the postsecondary goal.

Washington Administrative Code

The Washington Administrative Code defines transition services as:

Set of coordinated activities.
Designed to be a results-oriented process.
Facilitates the successful movement from school to postsecondary living.
Based on the student's strengths, preferences, interests, and needs.
Can consist of instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and if appropriate, the acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation.

(Washington State Legislature, WAC 392-172A-01190, Transition Services)

Related services

Defined as transportation and other needed developmental, corrective, or supportive services or assistive technology
Examples: speech-language pathology, audiology services, interpreting services, psychological services, physical/occupational therapy, recreation, therapeutic recreation, social work, or school nurse services

Video: Related Services (0:21)

Student Angela shares that her portfolio serves as a helpful tool that supports her transition from school to postsecondary education and employment.

Community experiences

Designed to support the measurable postsecondary goals based on the transition assessment
Examples: community-based work experience and/or exploration, job site training, banking, shopping, transportation, counseling, and recreation activities
Transition services for community experiences do not include activities that take place in the classroom (role-play or job experiences) unless they directly support the postsecondary goal

Video: Community Experiences - Cody (0:19)

Student Cody shares how a ride-along opportunity solidified his desire to be a firefighter.

Video: Community Experiences - Todd (0:26)

Student Todd shares how the community transition program is preparing him for life after high school.

Development of Employment

Some students continue part-time with postsecondary employment to support themselves while attending and engaged in postsecondary education (e.g. job at a fast food restaurant). However this is may not be the postsecondary employment goal
Specific work experiences are only transition services when part of a coordinated set of activities that support the student in obtaining any of their postsecondary goals

Predictors of Post-School Success
Predictors/Outcomes	Education	Employment	Independent Living
Inclusion in General Education	Research-based	Research-based	Research-based
Career Technical Education	Research-based	Evidence-based
Paid Employment/Work Experience	Research-based	Research-based	Promising
Self-Advocacy/Self-Determination	Research-based	Research-based	Promising
Self-Care/Independent Living	Promising	Promising	Research-based
Technology Skills (new)		Promising
Youth Autonomy/Decision-Making	Research-based	Research-based	Promising

Examples from NTACT:C's Predictors of Post-School Success Evidence Chart (2021)

NTACT:C has a list of over 20 Predictors of Post-School Success (PDF) in the areas of education, employment, and independent living. These predictors are categorized as evidence-based, research-based, or promising. As you’re identifying transition services to include in the IEP, this chart is a helpful starting point.

Next: Examples of Transition Services