At what age does transition planning occur?
In Ohio, schools must begin transition planning when the student turns 14. (Prior to July 1, 2005, transition planning at age 14 was also required by federal law, which now requires it at age 16. This requirement was deleted from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) when it was re-authorized in late 2004. Ohio law currently requires transition planning at age 14. If appropriate, transition planning can begin prior to a student’s 14th birthday. It is not clear whether Ohio will choose to follow the new federal law and no longer require school districts to provide transition planning beginning at age 14.) The focus of transition planning at age 14 is on the student’s courses of study and what classes will best prepare the student for his or her transition goals. For example, a student who plans to go to college may participate in advanced-placement or college preparatory classes in high school. A student who plans to go to a vocational school may focus on a
