CDE Blank Default Post - When There Are No Closures or Notices
.
Colorado Secondary Transition Framework: Pathways to Possibilities Toolkit
Welcome to the Secondary Transition Toolkit. Your comprehensive resource hub designed to support educators, families, and students in planning meaningful, individualized pathways to adult life. Developed with Colorado’s educational priorities in mind, this toolkit offers practical guidance, legal clarity, and student-centered tools to strengthen transition planning for youth with disabilities.
Whether you're a teacher, transition coordinator, administrator, or service provider, this collection equips you to foster collaboration, ensure compliance, and promote successful postsecondary outcomes.
Toolkit Overview
The toolkit is organized into thematic tabs, each offering targeted resources to support key aspects of secondary transition planning:
|
Section |
Title |
Focus |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Foundational concepts, definitions, and planning principles |
|
|
2 |
Legal Essentials for Secondary Transition Planning in Colorado |
State and federal legal requirements, including IDEA and ESSA alignment |
|
3 |
Step-by-step guidance for developing effective transition components in the IEP |
|
|
4 |
Guidance for developing compliant, student-centered IEPs by outlining key transition planning components required under IDEA 2004 and Colorado’s Exceptional Children’s Educational Act (ECEA). |
|
|
5 |
Tools and strategies for assessing student strengths, needs, and preferences |
|
|
6 |
A customizable student-led tool for organizing goals, experiences, and reflections |
|
|
7 |
Supporting Transition Planning: Before, During, and After the IEP Meeting |
Roles, responsibilities, and strategies for collaborative planning |
|
8 |
Preparing for Life After High School: Summary of Performance |
Guidance for completing the Summary of Performance and supporting student transitions |
|
9 |
Connecting career development experiences to transition services |
|
|
10 |
Interagency collaboration and referrals to adult services |
|
|
11 |
Key labor law considerations for school-based and community work experiences |
|
|
12 |
Definitions of critical terms used in transition planning and services |
|
|
13 |
Ready-to-use templates, checklists, and planning aids to streamline implementation and documentation |
Who Should Use This Toolkit?
-
Educators seeking clear, actionable guidance for IEP development and Secondary Transition planning
-
Administrators aiming to align school practices with state and federal mandates
-
Families and students exploring postsecondary options and preparing for adult life
-
Agency partners supporting youth in employment, education, and independent living
How to Use the Toolkit
Each section includes instructional guidance, planning templates, and resources. Use them to:
-
Build student-centered IEPs with quality Secondary Transition components
-
Facilitate interagency collaboration and community engagement
-
Support student self-determination and postsecondary readiness
-
Ensure legal compliance and best practices in Secondary Transition planning
-
Access practical tools for documentation, assessment, and student engagement
For questions or training support, contact Kacy Little Owl or visit the Colorado Department of Education’s Secondary Transition webpage.