Post-Secondary Transition

Transitioning from high school to the adult world can be a challenging time for students, especially students with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal special education law that ensures all children with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate public education. The IDEA recognizes the importance of preparing youth for success after high school and states that transition planning for students who receive special education services and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) by age 16. In Ohio, students with disabilities ages 14 or younger, if appropriate, begin the post secondary transition planning process. Through postsecondary transition planning is a part of the IEP process, it is not intended to be a passive activity that only occurs annually during a student’s IEP meeting. Ongoing transition planning helps students develop independence, which in turn helps them to reach their career and adult-living goals. A successful transition process is the result of comprehensive planning that is driven by the student’s preferences, interests, needs, and strengths. This comprehensive planning moves students toward successful future outcomes in competitive, integrated employment, education, and independent living. 

Ohio Revised Code section 3313.618

Students in the classes of 2023 and beyond (those who entered grade 9 on or after July 1, 2019) are now required to meet a new set of graduation requirements. These new graduation requirements consist of three key components:

1. Course Completion
Students will satisfy Ohio’s curriculum requirements and any additional local requirements. Students will complete the state minimum 20 units, with specific units required in each content area.

2. Demonstrating Competency
Students will demonstrate competency in the foundational areas of English language arts and mathematics or through alternative demonstrations, which include College Credit Plus, career-focused activities, their ACT or SAT scores, or military enlistment.

3. Demonstrating Readiness (Seals)
Students will demonstrate readiness for their post-high school paths by earning two diploma seals that allow them to demonstrate important foundational and well-rounded academic and technical knowledge, professional skills, and leadership and reasoning skills.