What does transition planning in special education focus on?

Transition planning in special education is primarily concerned with preparing students for life after high school. This involves developing skills and strategies that will enable students to successfully transition to adulthood, including post-secondary education, vocational training, employment, independent living, and community involvement. Transition planning is essential for ensuring that students with mild to moderate disabilities receive the support they need to achieve meaningful outcomes after they leave the school system.

This process typically includes assessing the student's strengths, preferences, and interests, setting specific goals, and creating a comprehensive plan that outlines the necessary steps and resources required to facilitate this transition. It often encourages collaboration among educators, parents, and community agencies to provide a network of support.

Other options, such as focusing solely on standardized testing or enhancing academic performance, while important aspects of education, do not capture the broader scope of transition planning. Additionally, while social skills development is a vital component of preparing for adulthood, transition planning encompasses a wider array of life skills and professional readiness, rather than being limited to just social skills.