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Once the present levels of strengths, interests, preferences and needs have been identified through transition assessment, you and your child (along with other members of the ARD Committee) can identify post-secondary goals.
Post-Secondary goals are different from Annual goals and objectives.
Remember - According to IDEA, the IEP transition plan must include coordinated, measurable, annual, postsecondary goals related to:
- training, education: for a specific vocational or career field, apprenticeship, on the job training, 2-4 year college/university, Voc-Tech programs;
- employment: this can be paid (competitive, supported or sheltered), unpaid (internship), military, and
- where appropriate, independent living skills (adult living, daily living, financial, transportation, etc)
The measurable, post-secondary goals must include education/training and employment. They can be combined into one goal or listed as separate outcomes for each area. Post-secondary goals for independent living are optional (where appropriate.)
The post-secondary goals should be measurable for intended outcomes one year after they graduate from high school (Indicator 14). For example:
- After high school, Rachel will attend Texas A&M University in the teacher education program.
- After high school, Bill will learn to cook a simple meal in the Reach Adult day training program with one to one staff support.
- After high school, Jan will open a small business creating jewelry.
- After high school, Chris will work as a forklift driver at Home Depot or Lowes.
Initially (if you start early), your child’s goal could be based on a vision of what he or she might like to do. This vision expressed in a written statement in the IEP encourages the student to focus on career exploration and assessment of strengths, preferences and interests.
As the student and ARD Committee meet annually, the post-secondary goals can change or become more refined.
Once post-secondary goals are developed, then the ARD Committee, which includes you and your child, can:
- Develop a Course of Study
- Create Annual goals that support a student reaching the post-secondary goals
- Discuss additional transition services that might assist a student in reaching the post-secondary goal
When you have a vision for the future, you will be able to determine what your child will need to learn in high school (and earlier) to prepare for graduation.
Measurable Post-Secondary Goals (pdf) – The Advocacy Institute
Post Secondary Goals (video) with Ed O’Leary, Cutting Edj Consulting resources
Transition Goals in the IEP - Center for Parent Information & resources
Transition Assessment & Goal Generator – Zarrow Center for Learning Enrichment
