Beyond Compliance Using the Summary of Performance to Enhance Transition Planning

The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act requires that local education agencies provide a transition summary document to all special education students who graduate with a regular diploma or reach the maximum age for services. Although state compliance with this requirement is almost universal, is this process being used effectively to enhance postschool outcomes for students with disabilities? There is an array of practices that school district and state education agency personnel can implement to make this document more helpful to students, bridging the "documentation disconnect" between secondary school and postsecondary education and employment, enhancing self-determination skills, and fostering improved adult success.