The IEP

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

IEP Requirements

"The federal regulations include language which identifies transition services participants. If the IEP meeting will include consideration of the statement of transition services needs or statement of needed transitions services, the IEP team must be expanded. The school is required [34 CFR 300.344(b) and (3)(i)] to invite: the student and a representative of any other agency that is likely to be responsible for providing or paying for transition service.

If the student does not or cannot attend the IEP meeting, the school must take other steps to ensure taht the student's preferences and interests are considered' [34 CFR 300.344(b)(2)]. And, if the agency representative does not attend, the school must 'take other steps to obtain the participation of that agency in the planning of any transition servcies' [34 CFR 300.344 (b)(3)(ii)]." (page 13)

Transition services to be included in the IEP (IDEA 97)

AGE 14

"The new statute and regulations require that beginning at age 14 (and younger if appropriate) a statement of the transition service needs of the student under the applicable components of the IEP that focuses on the student's courses of study must begin to be included in the IEP (such as participation in advanced placement courses or a vocational education program). The regulations further note (Note 6) a statement from the House Committee report on PL 105-17 which includes the following statement: 'The purpose of this requirement is to focus attention on how the child's educational program can be planned to help the child make a successful transition to his or her goals for life after secondary school. This provision is designed to augment, and not replace, the separate transitions services requirement, under which children with disabilities beginning no later than age sixteen receive transition services...'" (page 8)

AGE 16

"The regulations restate the requirement in statute that a statement of needed transition services must begin to be included in the IEP by the time the student is age 16 (and at a younger if determined appropriate). The regulations [34 CFR 300.347 (b)] further note (Note 1) that, 'Although the statute does not mandate transition services for all students below the age of 16, the provision of these services could have a significantly positive effect on the employment and independent living outcomes for many of these students who are likely to drop out before age 16.' The final determination of when to initiate transition services for students under age 16, is left to appropriately prepare him/her for post-school outcomes prior to leaving school." (page 8)

From Transition Services Language Survival Guide for California (September 1998). California Department of Education, Special Education Division.

You can email Dr. McNair at jmcnair@calbaptist.edu