Special Ed Transition Services

Transition services are defined as educational activities and supports designed to assist students with disabilities to reach measurable postsecondary goals. The determination of specific transition service needs stems from individual results of various age-appropriate transition assessments.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WI DPI) promotes the objective of educational services for all students as preparation for College and Career. Academic Career Planning is also being added as a requirement for students in grades 6-12. In addition, the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) includes the collaborative responsibility of school, vocational rehabilitation services, and long term support to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students.

WIOA prohibits Local Education Authorities (LEAs or school districts) from entering into contracts with service providers for the purpose of having students engage in employment skills training at subminimum wage jobs. Thus, WIOA enhances the need for the provision of transition services to students with disabilities, including those with significant disabilities that will contribute to college and career readiness. Transition Service options in the PTP have been revised and aligned with the Pre-Employment Transition Service categories listed in WIOA to facilitate the selection and delivery of educational services to students ages 14-21 that support college and career readiness.