Year-End IEP Transitions: What Teachers and Admins Must Do
As the school year comes to a close, it’s not just about wrapping up paperwork, it’s about preparing students for what’s next. Whether they’re transitioning from elementary to middle school, middle to high school, or graduating and moving into post-secondary life, these shifts require thoughtful planning, strong communication, and collaboration across teams.
Here’s how SPED teachers and administrators can set students up for success in their year-end transitions.
For SPED Teachers: Practical Steps You Can Take Now
1. Initiate Transition Meetings
Set up brief transition meetings with receiving case managers or grade-level teams.
Share student profiles, IEP summaries, support strategies, and parent insights.
2. Coordinate “Next Step” Visits
Organize student tours of the next building or new classroom.
Set up short Q&A sessions with future teachers or support staff.
Use social stories or visual schedules to help students anticipate the change.
3. Update Key Documentation
Make sure all present levels of performance (PLOPs), accommodations, and SDI are current.
Finalize transition goals for students 14+.
Complete or update the Summary of Performance for graduating students.
4. Prepare a Handoff Packet
Include the current IEP, work samples, progress monitoring, and any recent evaluation data.
Add student “About Me” one-pagers or preference sheets if applicable.
5. Review Transition Plans for Students Age 14+
Check that transition plans are complete and goals are updated.
Ensure goals reflect student strengths, preferences, and needs across post-secondary, employment, and independent living domains.
6. Support Re-Evaluation for Graduating Seniors
Verify which students are graduating and which are planning to attend college or trade school.
Collaborate with administrators to schedule re-evaluations if needed.
Provide families with updated reports and instructions for how to request accommodations at the next level.
For SPED Administrators & Leaders
1. Facilitate Vertical Collaboration
Schedule grade-level team meetings (e.g., 5th to 6th grade) to discuss student needs.
Encourage a consistent handoff protocol school-wide for students with IEPs.
2. Review Transition Plans for Students Age 14+
Ensure every eligible student has updated transition plans and goals in the IEP.
Confirm these goals are realistic, measurable, and aligned to post-secondary, employment, and independent living pathways.
3. Ensure All Graduating Seniors Have Up-to-Date Re-Evaluations
Confirm every graduating student with an IEP has a current re-evaluation report.
If they plan to attend college, the updated re-evaluation—not the IEP—is what must be submitted to request accommodations.
Make sure SPED teachers are aware of which students are college-bound so they can plan accordingly.
4. Confirm Completion of Summary of Performance
The Summary of Performance (SOP) is critical for students exiting high school.
Ensure it’s included in the IEP, updated, and shared with families.
5. Support Family Engagement
Host info sessions or send transition checklists to families.
Offer guidance on how to prepare students for new routines or request college accommodations.
6. Build Systems for Sustainability
Assign case managers to serve as point people for building-level transitions.
Ensure staff are trained on how to support IEP transitions across settings
Let’s Make Transitions Smoother for Students, Families, and Teams
Being intentional now means fewer disruptions later. A smooth handoff isn’t just helpful, it’s a legal and ethical responsibility.
Need Support?
Book a call to see how we can help your SPED team implement sustainable transition practices and systems that support every student:
https://cal.com/theiepcoachllc/discoverycall
Let’s make this end of year season your strongest one yet.
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