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Elevating Student Engagement in Transition Planning

Transition planning is most effective when students are active participants in shaping their own futures. When plans are developed for students rather than with them, the postsecondary goals may not reflect the true strengths, preferences, interests, and needs of the student.

Students who are actively engaged in their transition planning are more likely to understand their goals, develop self-advocacy and decision-making skills, and stay engaged in future planning. Johnson (2018) found that students who actively participate in their IEP meetings and contribute to goal development demonstrate significantly higher expectations for their post-school transition outcomes than students with a less active role.

Strengthening student engagement can begin with small, intentional shifts:

• Supporting students to lead all or part of their IEP meetings
• Using assessments as tools for conversation, not just compliance
• Providing real-world experiences like job shadows or internships

Even simple changes, such as asking students to share their goals at the start of a meeting, can make a meaningful difference.

How do you bring student voice to transition planning? We would love to hear from you. Share your ideas, tools, or examples with the CCTS team!

Writing Effective Transition Plans

Available for 10 Clock Hours at no charge, for a limited time

CCTS’s asynchronous online Transition Foundations course, Writing Effective Transition Plans, is now available for clock hours at no charge through the end of the academic year, courtesy of Seattle University’s College of Education.

This 10-module self-paced training from CCTS helps educators and families learn best practices for developing inclusive transition plans within Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and describe the components of transition planning
• Determine the presence or absence of transition components within an IEP
• Identify transition practices to implement the building of meaningful transition plans and maximize student participation
• Utilize the T-Folio curriculum to align the transition section of the IEP with the High School and Beyond Plan

Learn more about WETP and register

CCTS Self-Paced Online Training

Free Transition Training Materials

Each of CCTS’s self-paced training courses can be accessed free of charge from the CCTS website. Courses include modules and activity workbooks that can be completed individually or with a group.

• Writing Effective Transition Plans (10 modules)
• Student-Led IEPs (7 modules)
• Developing Job Shadow Experiences (4 modules)
• Partnerships for Inclusion: Special Education and Career Technical Education (6 modules)

Visit CCTS’s Secondary Transition Training page for details.

Opening Doors: College & Careers for Students with Disabilities

Webinar from NTACT:C

• April 23, 2026, 11 a.m. PT
• 1 CRC credit available

In this webinar, panelists from a community college, a four-year college, and a university will discuss the academic, transition planning, and self-advocacy/self-determination skills students need for success after high school. Panelists will also highlight programs, services, and supports that help students access accommodations, navigate campus life, and reach their postsecondary goals.

For details and registration, visit the NTACT:C website.

Transition Services Listening Sessions (online)

Hosted by the Washington state Transition Collaborative

Your input at these events will help the Transition Collaborative write a report that is due to the Legislature in October 2026. Listening sessions are being held from March through April with collaborators including students, families, advocates, educators, county developmental disabilities programs, employment service providers, and tribes. Registration is required.

• April 22, 6 p.m. Community Listening Session for Students, Family Members, and Advocates | Community Listening Session Flyer
• April 23, 3:30 p.m. Educator Listening Session | Educator Listening Session Flyer
• April 29, 1 p.m. Community Rehabilitation Providers Listening Session | Contact the Washington State Rehabilitation Council for details: wsrc@dshs.wa.gov

King County Resource Fair

For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

This is a free community event that welcomes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and delays, their families, caregivers, service providers, teachers, employers, and other interested community members. Stay for the day! Light snacks and refreshments will be available courtesy of Microsoft.

• When: Thursday, May 28, 2026, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Where: Microsoft Conference Center, 16070 NE 36th Way, Redmond, WA 98052
• Registration: Not required, but helpful.

For details, including informational flyers in multiple languages, visit the King County Resource Fair webpage. 

Youth Engagement Tools

Resources from Youth Engagement Now

Explore resources developed by youth with disabilities across the country, designed to successfully engage and involve youth partners in projects to support impactful change.        

• Laying the Foundation: includes tips for connecting to youth with disabilities and disability awareness
• Exploring Leadership/Becoming Advocates
• Equal Collaboration

Learn more by visiting the Youth Engagement Now website.