1. Florida Education: The Next Generation DRAFT
Transition Assessment: An Ongoing Process
Florida Department of Education
Revised September 2012
Florida Education: The Next Generation DRAFT
March 13, 2008
Version 1.0 1

2. Objectives
To develop an understanding of IDEA 2004 requirements for transition assessment
To identify various formal and informal transition assessment tools
To develop a better understanding of resources specifically used for transition assessment through hands-on application activities
To identify how and where transition assessment fits within the Transition IEP process

3. Terminology
The term (T16) has been used in these training materials to correspond with the requirements for State Performance Plan (SPP) 13 – Secondary Transition Age 16, T16-9, measurable postsecondary goals, and T16-10, age-appropriate transition assessment, found in the Exceptional Student Education Compliance Manual, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, Florida Department of Education. 3

4. Age 16 Requirements
IDEA 2004
Develop measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessment in the following areas:
Education
Training
Employment
Independent living (as needed)
Age-appropriate transition assessment
Key Message: IDEA 2004 requires the development of measurable postsecondary goals based upon transition assessment.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: The definition is based upon the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) Indicator 13 checklist, which has been OSEP approved.
Questions/Interactivity: None
Possible Problems: None
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will identify age 16 requirements related to measurable postsecondary goals.
NSTTAC, 2007

5. Age 16 – Measurable Postsecondary Goals From: Compliance Self-Assessment SPP 13 – Secondary Transition Age 16 (T-16) FLDOE
T16-9. There is a measurable postsecondary goal or goals in the designated areas (i.e., education, training and employment; where appropriate, independent living). 34CFR (b)(1); Rule 6A (3)(h)10.a., F.A.C.
A measurable postsecondary goal may address more than one of the designated areas and must meet the following requirements:
It must be measurable; you must be able to “count it” or observe it.
It must be intended to occur after the student graduates from school.
It must be updated annually.

6. Age 16 – Education/Training
Education is defined as
Enrollment in Adult General Education (e.g., Adult Basic Education, Adult High School Credit Program, Vocational Preparatory Instruction Program, or GED Testing Program)
Enrollment in technical center (certificate program)
Enrollment in community college (certificate program or two-year degree)
Enrollment in college/university (four-year degree and higher)
Key Message: The definition of education was adapted from the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, 2007.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: A measurable postsecondary goal is required in the area of education or training.
Questions/Interactivity: None
Possible Problems: None
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will be able to define education as it relates to the development of measurable postsecondary goals.
Adapted from: NSTTAC, 2007

7. Age 16 – Education/Training
Training is defined as
Employment training program (e.g., Workforce Investment Act [WIA], Job Corps, AmeriCorps, Individualized)
Individualized means one-on-one training provided by the employer, an agency, or service provider
Key Message: The definition of training was adapted from the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, 2007.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: A measurable postsecondary goal is required in the area of education or training.
Questions/Interactivity: None
Possible Problems: None
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will be able to define training as it relates to the development of measurable postsecondary goals.
Adapted from: NSTTAC, 2007

8. Age 16 - Employment Employment is defined as Competitive
In the competitive labor market that is performed on a full- or part-time basis in an integrated setting
Is compensated at or above the minimum wage
Supported
Competitive work in integrated work settings…for individuals with the most significant disabilities for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred; or for whom competitive employment has been interrupted or intermittent as a result of a significant disability…
Key Message: The definition of employment was adapted from the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, 2007.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: NSTTAC’s proposed definition includes “sheltered employment,” however, this is not supported in Florida. A measurable postsecondary goal is required for employment.
Questions/Interactivity: None
Possible Problems: None
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will be able to define employment as it relates to the development of measurable postsecondary goals.
Adapted from: NSTTAC, 2007 8

9. Age 16 - Independent Living (as Needed)
Life skills in the following domains:
Leisure/Recreation
Maintain home and personal care
Community participation
Key Message: The definition of independent living was taken from the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, 2007.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: A measurable postsecondary goal in the area of independent living should be developed if it is determined as a need for the student.
Questions/Interactivity: None
Possible Problems: None
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will be able to define independent living as it relates to the development of measurable postsecondary goals.
NSTTAC, 2007

10. Measurable Postsecondary Goals From: Compliance Self-Assessment SPP 13 – Secondary Transition Age 16 (T-16) FLDOE
The following examples of measurable postsecondary goals for the areas of education and/or training that are sufficiently descriptive are provided to guide you in the review:
Allison
- Within four years of graduation from high school, Allison will obtain a four-year degree from a liberal arts college with a major in Child Development.
Lisette
- Within three years of graduation from high school, Lisette will complete the nondegree program at Montgomery County College (MCC).

11. Measurable Postsecondary Goals From: Compliance Self-Assessment SPP 13 – Secondary Transition Age 16 (T-16) FLDOE
The following examples of measurable postsecondary goals for the area of employment that are sufficiently descriptive are provided to guide you in the review:
Allison
- Within six months of receiving her degree in Child Development, Allison will obtain employment in the field of early childhood education.
Lisette
- Within nine months of graduation, through the assistance of Vocational Rehabilitation and the staff of the nondegree program at MCC, Lisette will obtain part time employment on campus at MCC that does not interfere with her program’s schedule.

12. Measurable Postsecondary Goals From: Compliance Self-Assessment SPP 13 – Secondary Transition Age 16 (T-16) FLDOE
The following examples of measurable postsecondary goals for the area of independent living that are sufficiently descriptive are provided to guide you in the review:
Allison
-N/A; independent living is only required “where appropriate.” For this student it was determined by the IEP team not to be appropriate.
Lisette
- Within one year of graduation from high school, Lisette will use public transportation, including the public bus and uptown trolley to independently get to and from classes at MCC.

13. Age 16 –Transition Assessment From: Compliance Self-Assessment SPP 13 – Secondary Transition Age 16 (T-16) FLDOE
T The measurable postsecondary goals were based on age-appropriate transition assessment. 34CFR (b)(1); Rule 6A (3)(h)10.a., F.A.C.
Review the IEP and other available components of the student’s record to determine if information from age-appropriate transition assessments has been considered in developing measurable postsecondary goals.

14. Transition Assessment – Examples… From: Compliance Self-Assessment SPP 13 – Secondary Transition Age 16 (T-16) FLDOE
The following examples of age-appropriate transition assessment that are sufficiently descriptive and that reflect best practice are provided to guide you in the review:
Allison (education/training and employment)
- From the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance statement on the IEP: “Allison has achieved a level 3 in math and a level 2 in reading on the tenth grade FCAT, passing the reading portion with a scale score of 310 (300 required to pass). She continues to struggle with reading in the content areas when the material is technical (e.g., science text).

15. …Transition Assessment – Examples From: Compliance Self-Assessment SPP 13 – Secondary Transition Age 16 (T-16) FLDOE
Allison’s relative strengths are in the areas of short- and long-term memory and problem solving. Her specific learning disabilities are in the areas of reading comprehension and written expression, but she is able to maintain passing grades in general education classes when provided with additional time to complete assignments and opportunities for re-teaching and/or reinforcement of concepts. Allison’s oral expression skills are strengths for her as are her interpersonal skills. Academically she maintained B’s with a C in Chemistry during tenth grade and the first semester of the 11th grade. She met all of her IEP goals for the previous school year.”

16. Transition Assessment – Examples… From: Compliance Self-Assessment SPP 13 – Secondary Transition Age 16 (T-16) FLDOE
Lisette (education/training, employment, and independent living)
- From the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance statement on the IEP: “Based on teacher observation notes, community-based task analysis checks, and information from the student, her parents, and her teachers collected through the Transition Planning Inventory and Making Action Plans (MAPS), Lisette is a rule-oriented, quiet young woman with strong skills and interests in employment in the service industry.

17. …Transition Assessment – Examples From: Compliance Self-Assessment SPP 13 – Secondary Transition Age 16 (T-16) FLDOE
Lisette learns best through observation and practical experience due to limited verbal and reading skills. Lisette has participated in a curriculum with a functional-academic focus in which she has demonstrated strengths in independent living skills, such as self-care, home management, reading for success in the community, and community math skills, including time and calendar skills. Lisette has expressed an interest in and demonstrated success in the service industry, particularly in the area of food preparation. Lisette indicates that her family encourages her to do well in school and in her job experiences. Her family expresses interest in Lisette’s living outside of their home as she becomes more financially independent after leaving high school.”

18. Transition Assessment
“Transition assessment is the ongoing process of collecting data on the individual’s needs, preferences, and interests as they relate to the demands of current and future working, educational, living, and personal and social environments. Assessment data serve as the common thread in the transition process and form the basis for defining goals and services to be included in the Individualized Education Program.”
- Sitlington, Neubert, and Leconte (1997)
Key Message: Transition assessment is a new requirement in IDEA 2004.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: Interest inventories are a type of informal transition assessment, Life Centered Career Education (LCCE) includes a type of formal transition assessment. This definition of transition assessment has been sanctioned by NSTTAC.
Questions/Interactivity: None
Possible Problems: None anticipated
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will understand that age-appropriate transition assessment must be conducted on all students and must be used to develop measurable postsecondary goals.
Supplemental Training Materials:
Sitlington, Neubert and Leconte (1977) (not included in training materials)

19. Age-Appropriate Transition Assessment
Age-appropriate means activities, assessments, content, environments, instruction, and/or materials that reflect a student’s chronological age.
Age-appropriate assessments may necessitate adaptations to their administration for some students so that meaningful data are obtained.
Key Message: This is the definition from NSTTAC for age- appropriate.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: None
Questions/Interactivity: None
Possible Problems: None anticipated
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants understand the definition of age-appropriate transition assessment.
Supplemental Resources for Trainers:
NSTTAC, 2007 (It is important to note that not all of the NSTTAC definitions or examples align with Florida’s definitions or examples.)
NSTTAC, 2007

20. Types of transition assessments…
Behavioral assessment information
Aptitude tests
Interest and work values inventories
Intelligence tests and achievement tests
Personality or preference tests
Career maturity or readiness tests
Self-determination assessments
Work-related temperament scales
Transition planning inventories
Key Message: Identify the difference between formal and informal assessments.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: None
Questions/Interactivity:
Possible Problems:
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will be aware of the difference between formal and informal assessments.
NSTTAC, 2007

21. …Types of transition assessments
Paper and pencil tests
Structured student and family interviews
Observational community or work-based assessments (situational)
Curriculum-based assessments
Key Message: Identify the difference between formal and informal assessments.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: None
Questions/Interactivity:
Possible Problems:
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will be aware of the difference between formal and informal assessments.
NSTTAC, 2007

22. Transition Assessment
What assessments are you currently using?
Formal
Informal
Key Message: Identify the difference between formal and informal assessments.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: None
Questions/Interactivity: Ask participants for their definition of formal and informal assessments.
Possible Problems: If no one volunteers, provide the following information:
Formal - results are based on a “norm” group
Informal - results are based on individual
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will be aware of the difference between formal and informal assessments.

23. Types of Assessment Formal Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
College Entrance Test
PSAT, SAT, ACT, CPT
Transition Planning Inventory
Brigance
Life Centered Career Education (LCCE)
Florida Alternate Assessment
Other Norm-Referenced
Informal
Curriculum-Based/Teacher-Made Tests
Interest Inventories
Self-Determination
Situational
Questionnaires/Surveys/ Interviews
Checklists
Key Message: Discuss examples of formal and informal assessments.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: Provide a few samples for participants to review at breaks if possible.
PSAT - Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
SAT - Scholastic Aptitude Test
ACT - American College Test
CPT - College Placement Test
Questions/Interactivity: Ask participants if they have any additional examples.
Possible Problems: None
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will have further clarification of the difference between formal and informal assessments.

24. Assessments Transition Planning Inventory Enderle-Severson ChoiceMaker
STEPS
ARC Self-Determination Scale
Self-Directed Search
Career Chronicle Quest
Informal Assessments in Transition Planning
Transition Assessment: Planning Transition and IEP Development for Youth with Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Case Studies in Assessment for Transition Planning

25. Assessments and Accommodations
Formal Assessments
Documentation on individual student’s IEP
Established accommodations
Request prior to testing
Informal Assessments
No set accommodations
Implemented on demand
Key Message: Discuss allowable accommodations on formal and informal assessments.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: Discuss requirements of several different formal assessments
FCAT – only directions and math questions can be read to students
College Entrance Exams – accommodations requested must match accommodations on student’s IEP. Requests for special testing with accommodations must be submitted early and time frame and allowable accommodations vary between tests.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) - does not allow any accommodations.
Questions/Interactivity: Ask participants if they have any additional examples.
Possible Problems: None
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will have further clarification of the requirements for providing accommodations.

26. Using Assessment Information in IEP Development
Transition assessment will provide practical information to assist in all facets of transition planning and IEP development.
Age-appropriate transition assessment must be used to develop students’ measurable postsecondary goals.
Key Message: Explain the purpose of conducting transition assessments.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: Information provided by transition assessments will assist with the following:
development of the measurable postsecondary goals (required)
development of present level of academic achievement and functional performance statements
identification of priority educational needs
development of relevant measurable annual goals.
development of transition services
Questions/Interactivity: None
Possible Problems: None anticipated
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will be able to identify the requirement of conducting transition assessments and how the information is used for Transition IEP development.

27. Transition Assessment
Transition assessment data should:
Be obtained over time
Indicate strengths, preferences and interests
Consider present and future environments
Be conducted by way of multiple places/sources/persons
Be sensitive to cultural diversity
Key Message: This describes best practices in conducting transition assessments.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: The use of transition portfolios is encouraged.
Questions/Interactivity: None
Possible Problems: None
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will learn that transition assessment is a multiple step process conducted over a period of time.
Supplemental Resources for Trainers:
NSTTAC, 2007 (It is important to note that not all of the NSTTAC definitions or examples align with Florida’s definitions or examples.)
NSTTAC, 2007

28. Resources Transition Assessments Websites http://www.nsttac.org
Interest Inventories
Career Cruiser – Florida Department of Education
CHOICES
Career Development Resources
See attachments.
Key Message: Mention the additional resources for further information on transition assessments.
Builds/Animation: None
Additional Information: The Career Cruiser is an interest inventory that is available free from the FLDOE. However, it is accessed from the Workforce Education office rather than the BEESS Clearinghouse.
Questions/Interactivity: None
Possible Problems: None anticipated
Performance-Based Learning Objective: Participants will have the knowledge of where additional resources are located.

29. For additional information:
Sheila Gritz, Program Specialist for Transition
Florida Department of Education
Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services

30. Florida Education: The Next Generation DRAFT
Questions?
Florida Education: The Next Generation DRAFT
March 13, 2008
Version 1.0 30