Transition Readiness Assessments for Schools
Building a Clear Path to Adulthood
Is Transition Planning Preparing Students for Life After High School?
Students spend years developing academic skills, receiving services, and working toward IEP goals. But an important question remains:
Are they building the skills they will need after graduation?
Transition planning is most effective when decisions are informed by meaningful assessment data. A transition readiness assessment helps educational teams better understand a student’s strengths, support needs, and readiness across a range of areas related to adult life.
The results can help guide transition-focused IEP development, postsecondary planning, and educational programming that prepares students for life after high school.
What Is a Transition Readiness Assessment?
A transition readiness assessment is a structured process used to evaluate a student’s current skills, interests, strengths, and areas for growth as they prepare for adulthood.
The goal is not simply to identify challenges. It is to provide practical information that can help teams answer important questions:
What is this student working toward after high school?
What skills have already been developed?
What areas may need additional instruction, support, or experience?
How well does the current IEP support the student’s future goals?
A strong assessment helps connect today’s educational programming with tomorrow’s outcomes.
Areas Commonly Assessed
Assessment areas are individualized based on student needs, age, goals, and post-school plans.
Common areas may include:
Education & Training
College readiness
Postsecondary accommodations
Academic independence
Trade and vocational pathways
Continuing education opportunities
Postsecondary accommodations
Academic independence
Trade and vocational pathways
Continuing education opportunities
Employment
Career interests
Workplace readiness
Employment supports
Soft skills
Vocational planning
Independent Living
Daily living skills
Executive functioning
Financial literacy
Healthcare management
Housing readiness
Executive functioning
Financial literacy
Healthcare management
Housing readiness
Self-Advocacy
Disability awareness
Self-determination
Help-seeking skills
Accommodation awareness
Decision making
Self-determination
Help-seeking skills
Accommodation awareness
Decision making
Transportation & Community Access
Public transportation
Community navigation
Travel readiness
Safety awareness
Community participation
Community navigation
Travel readiness
Safety awareness
Community participation
Adult Services Readiness
MassAbility
DDS
SSI
Independent Living Centers
College disability services
Community supports
DDS
SSI
Independent Living Centers
College disability services
Community supports
What Is Included?
Each assessment may include:
✓ Record review✓ Review of IEPs, evaluations, and transition planning documents
✓ Parent interview
✓ Student interview
✓ Standardized and informal transition assessments
✓ Executive functioning and self-determination measures (as appropriate)
✓ Transition readiness analysis
✓ Comprehensive written report
✓ Personalized Future Planning Roadmap
✓ Feedback meeting to review findings and recommendations
What Families Receive
A Transition Readiness Assessment Report
A detailed report summarizing assessment findings, strengths, areas for growth, and recommendations.and a
Future Planning Roadmap
A practical guide outlining:Immediate priorities
Recommended supports
Future goals
Postsecondary planning
Employment planning
Independent living planning
Adult services considerations
The roadmap helps families understand not only where a student is today, but what steps can help them move toward greater independence and success.
Families tell me this is the first time they've felt like they actually know what they're working toward.
What Happens Afterwards?
Many families choose to continue with ongoing support after the assessment.
Implementation services may include:
- IEP & Transition Planning
- Postsecondary & Career Planning
- Adult Services & Independent Living
- Family Consultation and Coaching
You are not left alone after the assessment. I am here to coach and support for as long as the process takes.
Who Can Benefit?
Transition readiness assessments can support:
Middle school students beginning transition planning
High school students preparing for graduation
Students exploring college, employment, or vocational pathways
Students who may need additional support with independent living or self-advocacy
Educational teams seeking additional data to guide planning
How Schools Use Transition Readiness Assessments
Guide transition-focused IEP development
Inform measurable postsecondary goals
Identify student strengths and support needs
Prioritize transition services and activities
Support planning for employment, education, and independent living
Monitor student progress over time
Inform measurable postsecondary goals
Identify student strengths and support needs
Prioritize transition services and activities
Support planning for employment, education, and independent living
Monitor student progress over time
My Approach
Gather Information
Review existing evaluations, IEPs, transition plans, progress data, and student input to develop a clear understanding of the student’s current functioning and goals.Identify Strengths & Areas for Growth
Examine skills related to postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and self-advocacy.Connect Assessment to Planning
Translate assessment findings into practical recommendations that can support transition-focused IEP development and future planning.Support Meaningful Next Steps
Provide information that helps teams determine priorities, identify opportunities for skill development, and better align programming with post-school goals.From Assessment to Action
A transition readiness assessment should not end with a report.The most valuable assessments help educators, students, and families better understand where a student is today and what steps can help them move toward their goals for life after high school. When used thoughtfully, assessment results can strengthen transition planning, guide educational programming, and help ensure that the IEP serves as a roadmap for the future.
Interested in learning more about transition readiness assessments for your school, district, or program? Let’s connect.