What Is Transition Planning?

Transition planning is a process to help students with disabilities decide what they want to do after graduation, such as attending college, joining the workforce, living independently, and becoming involved in the community. It also helps them and their families figure out how to get there.

The purpose of transition planning is to help students and their families prepare to be independent young adults and help them move from public school to adult life. The Transition Plan is required by law for students with a disability by the time the child reaches age 14 and is part of their Individualized Education Program, or IEP.

The Transition Plan incorporates a cumulative collection of data for a student's: 

• Strengths
• Preferences
• Interests
• Needs

The results of the data, which can include questionnaires, surveys, and interviews, lead to the establishment of the student’s post-secondary goals in the areas of: 

• Education or Training
• Employment
• Independent Living (if necessary)

Why Is Transition Planning Important?

Most all students need guidance in order to make the leap from high school to their next steps in life. Students with disabilities, however, often need a little more help because their leap is that much greater. The purpose of the transition plan is to better prepare students with disabilities to enter the workplace, continue learning, become as independent as possible, and contribute to society.

Moving from school into adult life requires thoughtful planning. Where will you work? What will you want to continue learning after high school? Where will you live? Will you want support to meet your goals? 

These are tough questions, but BISD's Transition Planning can help!

Find valuable resources below or reach out to our Transition Specialist.

• TEA Parent-Directed Special Education Services - English
• TEA Parent-Directed Special Education Services - Spanish
• Navigate Life Texas - English
• Navega por la vida Texas en Espanol
• Bluebonnet Trails Community Services  (Seleccione el idioma español una vez en el sitio web)
• Texas Workforce Solutions - Bastrop County (Seleccione el idioma español una vez en el sitio web)
• Start My VR Interest Form - Online Request for Texas Workforce Referral