SPECIAL E DUCATION
continued
Transition Assessments
What are they? Why are they beneficial? Provided by the Community Support Services Transition & Employment Services team, Easterseals Massachusetts
WHAT ARE THEY? Transition Assessments are most commonly performed when a child has an IEP (Individual Education Plan) or a 504 plan. By Federal law the transition age begins at 16 years old but in the state of Massachusetts it begins at 14 years old. When students reach the age of 14, they are given the Transition Planning Form (TPF). The student and his or her team then focus on establishing transition goals to assist in preparing for life after high school. The TPF is used to assess the student’s ability to determine his or her strengths and weaknesses, how they inter-
48
Boston Parents Paper | Special Needs Guide
act with others in school or in their community, their decision-making process on personal or work tasks, their career interests, and independent living skills. Transition assessments are tailored to meet the student’s level of comprehension and are age specific.
WHY ARE THEY BENEFICIAL? It is incredibly important for individuals with disabilities to feel independent and be seen as an equal in their working environment and in their community.
