College of Education and College of Applied Health Sciences

Illinois Center for Transition and Work

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What is transition assessment?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004, Section 1414) requires that Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams develop appropriate, measurable postsecondary goals for students ages 16 and older that are based upon age-appropriate transition assessments. Transition assessments gather information about a student’s needs, strengths, preferences, and interests as they related to the domains of employment, postsecondary education, and independent living. Assessments may by formal or informal.  They often involve surveys, interviews, and observations of the student. Family members may also be asked for information to supplement and expand on student assessment data. Transition assessment is an ongoing process that involves multiple assessments conducted throughout the year.

Transition assessment webinars

Transition assessment fact sheets