Work-Based Learning Continuum: Connecting to Secondary Transition Planning and Services

Stages of Secondary Transition Planning 

The WBL Continuum and purposeful Secondary Transition planning sets the expectation that all students can engage in meaningful work-based experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world preparation after high school. As students progress from learning ABOUT work to learning THROUGH and eventually AT work, IEP teams can design Secondary Transition Services and Activities within the stages of career development: 

1. Career Awareness,  
2. Career Exploration,  
3. Career Preparation Activities, and 
4. Career Placement and Postsecondary Transition 

Keep in mind, formal development of a Secondary Transition Plan begins in Colorado by age 15 (can be earlier) and must be included in the IEP no later than the end of 9th grade, according to Colorado’s ECEA Rules (Section 4.03(7)(b)(i)). The continuum in the picture below visually represents the progressive stages of Secondary Transition planning that guide students from early career awareness to adult life outcomes. Each stage builds upon the previous one, helping students develop the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary for successful transitions. 

The forward green arrow symbolizes the natural developmental flow as students grow, gain clarity about their interests and abilities, and engage in more advanced and applied experiences. The backward blue arrow emphasizes that this process is not strictly linear; students may revisit earlier stages as their goals evolve or as new opportunities arise. 

This flexible approach allows IEP teams to individualize transition services based on a student's age and developmental readiness. By intentionally designing activities aligned with each phase, educators can support meaningful progress toward postsecondary goals in education, employment, and independent living. 

Adapted with permission from the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC), “Next Steps to Independence Checklist 

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Why Early Career Development Matters 

 Introducing career development in the early grades lays the foundation for future success. By starting with self-awareness and exposure to different roles in the community, young students begin to build confidence, communication skills, and curiosity about the world of work. These early experiences help students see themselves as capable and contributing individuals, setting the stage for deeper exploration and skill development as they progress through school. Early and ongoing career development ensures students are better prepared to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful pathways toward postsecondary goals. 

The WBL Continuum directly supports Secondary Transition services and activities by providing a structured framework that aligns educational experiences with a student's future goals. It helps IEP teams design and implement individualized, developmentally appropriate Secondary Transition plans that build over time, from early career awareness activities to hands-on experiences and eventual career preparation. By integrating learning ABOUT, THROUGH, and AT work into IEP development, educators can ensure that transition services are purposeful and aligned with measurable postsecondary goals. This approach not only supports compliance with IDEA and Colorado's ECEA requirements but also ensures that students are gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to successfully transition to adult life, including further education, employment, and independent living. 

When individualizing Secondary Transition plans for students with disabilities, it is essential to consider both the student’s age and developmental readiness to appropriately adjust the progression through the WBL Continuum. This ensures that experiences are meaningful, accessible, and aligned with their evolving strengths and needs. 

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Secondary Transition Activities Examples Within the WBL Continuum  

The following table provides examples of Secondary Transition Activities that align with each stage of the WBL Continuum and Career Development process. These activities are intended to help IEP teams design meaningful, individualized transition services that connect classroom learning with real-world preparation for life after high school. Activities may include assessments, work-based experiences, and connections to adult service agencies. Not all activities will apply to every student; instead, teams can use this list as a menu of options to support each student’s age, readiness, and postsecondary goals.