June 2024:
The MLO Minute: “Transition Plans Should Not Limit A Student’s Potential To Achieve In Post-Secondary Education (Even If The Student Is Struggling)”
By Heather Hulse, J.D., M.S., M.A., Senior Partner Scranton Office and Lead Pittsburgh, Pa Attorney —
My daughter graduated with a bachelor’s degree from college this past May. I was told by several of the professionals in her high school public school district that they did not believe she would succeed in college, which was a necessary component of her life goals. I am a special education attorney, and it did not stop the school district professionals from making such false predictions. Sadly, I have heard many similar stories of families being discouraged from pursuing post-secondary education for their special education student with presumptions of failure. School district professionals should indeed refrain from making such forecasts regarding something so essential in the ability to achieve students’ life goals. Imagine how many dreams have been terminated as a result.
Transition planning is to assist the student with what is needed to achieve their post-secondary goals. While the student’s current levels of achievement and functioning should be discussed, this information should not be used to limit the student’s identified goals for post-secondary life. The school district should be developing, with the input of the student and the family, appropriate and measurable goals so the student can work to meet their post-secondary aspirations. Services needed to meet these goals and accommodate the student’s needs should be provided by school districts.
In Pennsylvania, appropriate transition plans must be provided to special education students who are fourteen (14) years old and older. Often times, these are glossed over during the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Sometimes, families are advised of perspectives of their child’s potential to be successful on the student’s chosen path. It is not only important to carefully develop a transition plan that can help your child succeed in transitioning to post-secondary life, the student’s goals for post-secondary life should not be limited by the school district’s opinions about the student’s potential to meet those goals. Instead, school districts should be encouraging students to achieve their goals and offering to provide the services and accommodations the student needs.
School districts are required by law to appropriately address all of the special education needs of special education students. If you believe your child’s special education needs are not being properly addressed by your child’s school district, please feel free to contact our office. Our initial consultation is free, and these matters are often handled on a contingency basis without hourly fees charged to families.
