Transition planning is a process for providing the services necessary to prepare students enrolled in special education programs to make a successful transition to life outside of the public school system.

IDEA defines transition services as "a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that is designed within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child's movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation." (20 U.S.C 1401(30); 34 CFR 300.29)

State Regulations

Section 29.011 (a) of the Texas Education Code states that no later than when the student reaches 14 years of age, a student's admission, review, and dismissal committee must consider, and if appropriate address the following issues in the students individualized education program:

• appropriate student involvement in the student's transition to life outside the public school system;

• if the student is younger than 18 years of age, appropriate parental involvement in the student's transition;

• if the student is at least 18 years of age, appropriate parental involvement in the student's transition, if the parent is invited to participate by the student or the school district in which the student is enrolled;

• any post-secondary education options;

• a functional vocational evaluation;

• employment goals and objectives;

• if the student is at least 18 years of age, the availability of age-appropriate instructional environments;

• independent living goals and objectives; and

• appropriate circumstances for referring a student or the student's parents to a governmental agency for services.

Age of Majority

Section 29.017 of the Texas Education Code states that once a student with a disability turns 18 years of age or older, he/she shall have the same right to make educational decisions as a student without a disability, except that the school district shall provide any notice required to both the student and the parents.  All other rights accorded to parents under IDEA and the Texas Education Code transfer to the student.

For additional information, please contact:

LaTosha Bennett
Coordinator of Special Education and Transition Designee
281-245-2324
Email LaTosha Bennett