How to Write Student-Driven Transition Plans
Writing IEP transition plans doesn’t have to feel like checking boxes. This teacher-friendly guide walks you through creating student-driven, real-world goals with practical services that prepare teens for life after high school.
Student SMART Goals Examples to Support Transition Planning
Want to help students take ownership of their IEPs and start thinking beyond high school?
This post walks you through how to use student SMART goals examples to support meaningful transition planning in special education. You'll get real-world goal ideas for education, employment, and independent living—plus practical tips for making goal-setting accessible to all learners.
Whether you're prepping for IEP season or just want a purposeful way to start the school year, this approach builds student voice, choice, and self-determination—without overwhelming them (or you).
Free Life Skills Inventory to Kickstart Real-World Learning
This free, editable Life Skills Inventory helps students reflect on what they want to learn about adulting—from budgeting and job hunting to time management and education planning. Perfect for IEP transition planning, advisory, or real-world life skills lessons. Includes a printable version, Google Form, teacher guide, and sample student response to make implementation easy.
Personal Success Plan: A Blueprint for Adulting
Empower your students to take control of their futures with the Personal Success Plan—a transformative project that guides them in crafting a detailed, actionable blueprint for adulthood. Combining research-backed strategies with real-world relevance, this activity helps students develop critical planning and goal-setting skills they’ll carry with them for years to come. Discover how this impactful project fosters confidence, accountability, and excitement about the future!
Level Up Life Planning with Postsecondary Pathways Bingo!
Postsecondary Pathways Bingo is an innovative and interactive activity designed to engage students in exploring their future education and career options. With prompts related to postsecondary pathways—such as community college interests, military aspirations, and vocational training goals—this game encourages students to connect with peers in a fun and non-threatening environment. This engaging format not only fosters community but also equips students with essential networking skills and broadens their understanding of available opportunities, making it an invaluable addition to any educator's toolkit for preparing students for life beyond high school.
Make IEPs Stand Out with Personalized Intro Letters
Using student introduction letters alongside IEP summaries is an effective way to personalize and enhance communication between educators and students. This practice not only helps teachers quickly grasp each student’s strengths, needs, and goals but also empowers students to take ownership of their education by fostering self-advocacy skills. By incorporating this approach, educators can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment, turning routine paperwork into meaningful connections that contribute to student success throughout the school year.
Guiding Students in the Art of Requesting Recommendations
Teaching students to request letters of recommendation goes beyond the basics, offering a chance to develop crucial social skills. A lesson covers on this topics covers who to ask, how to approach them, and the importance of timing and tact, while also emphasizing the value of providing recommenders with the right information and following up with sincere thank-you notes. By mastering these elements, students gain confidence in professional interactions and build strong networks for their future endeavors.
Helping Students Explore Education & Training Options
As students approach graduation, choosing the right postsecondary path can feel overwhelming. With options ranging from college and vocational schools to apprenticeships, military service, and more, this post explores various education and training pathways, offering insight into the benefits and challenges of each. By helping students align their strengths and interests with the right opportunity, educators can play a key role in preparing them for a successful transition into adulthood.
Employment Searching and Career Exploration for Students
Navigating the complexities of the job market can be challenging, especially for young adults entering the workforce. Integrating lessons on job searching into educational curricula, vocational programs, and life skills courses empowers students to understand eligibility requirements, explore their interests, and protect themselves from job scams. This guidance helps pave the way for informed career decisions and a fulfilling professional journey.