Transition-Focused Education: Foundation for the Future

In response to information regarding students' postschool outcomes, the past 15 years have reflected an increased focus on improving transition education and services for youth with disabilities. Three specific initiatives characterize this development: (a) federal special education and disability legislation; (b) federal, state, and local investment in transition services development; and (c) effective transition practices research. Outcomes of these initiatives include (a) an expanded perspective concerning transition education and services and (b) identification of practices that apply this perspective to individual student needs. The authors describe effective transition practices in five areas: student-focused planning, student development, interagency collaboration, family involvement, and program structures. Developing specific interventions and service arrays for individual students within each of the transition practice areas is essential for postschool success.