Under the IDEA, at what age must a transition plan be in place for a student with an IEP?

Under the IDEA, at what age must a transition plan be in place for a student with an IEP?

• A. At age 16
• B. At age 12
• C. At age 14
• D. At age 18

Answer: (A)

Transition planning under IDEA must be in place no later than age 16. This means that for every student with an IEP, the IEP team must include transition services and have a plan that outlines postsecondary goals and the steps to achieve them by that age. The transition plan looks at what the student will do after high school—whether it’s further education, vocational training, employment, and independent living skills—and identifies the specific supports, courses, and experiences needed to reach those goals. While transition planning can be started earlier if appropriate, the federal requirement sets 16 as the latest point at which a formal transition plan should be in place.

Transition planning under IDEA must be in place no later than age 16. This means that for every student with an IEP, the IEP team must include transition services and have a plan that outlines postsecondary goals and the steps to achieve them by that age. The transition plan looks at what the student will do after high school—whether it’s further education, vocational training, employment, and independent living skills—and identifies the specific supports, courses, and experiences needed to reach those goals. While transition planning can be started earlier if appropriate, the federal requirement sets 16 as the latest point at which a formal transition plan should be in place.