40 IEP Transition Goals for Students on the Path to Postsecondary | Jobs

IEP Transition Goals for Postsecondary or Job

I was leery of how I could use the word “postsecondary” and not create any confusion. To be clear, there are no IEPs in college. A student can get a 504 plan, but is not entitled to special education in college.

But, it certainly is a realistic goal for many IEP students, that they attend college. And their IEP transition plan should reflect this.

But, it’s also important to students to not only have goals, but understand what it will take to get there. After all, lots of kids want to go to a D1 school for sports, but getting there is a different story.

Many are unaware of how much work it really is to get there. But for those who want to put in the work, it can be attainable.

Any skill can become an IEP goal, if you put it in the IEP goal formula. You can also use multiple items here, and use some as objectives toward a goal.

As our society changes and modernizes, so do jobs and careers. Many people make money online now. Lots of people make money blogging. This was unheard of just 20 years ago. And, it may fit well with many of our kids’ needs.

So make sure it’s an option, if it is what your child wants to do.

Educational Transition IEP Goals- Postsecondary

1. Has a realistic view of his/her chances for completing high school.
2. If high school graduation is not realistic, understands what a GED is and how to obtain one.
3. Can fill out forms to enroll in an educational program.
4. Has a general idea of what education is needed for the job he/she wants.
5. Can discuss educational/vocational plans with teachers/counselors.
6. Is aware of educational resources available in the community.
7. Knows how to obtain school transcripts.
8. Is aware of current educational credits and standing. 
9. Has an appropriate educational plan for the job selected.
10. Understands educational/skill requirements for job selected. Is aware of the cost of higher education/vocational training.
11. Knows the difference between a loan and a grant.
12. “Shops around” to find the best educational resources.
13. Knows where to find and how to access adult education or vocational training in the community.
14. Knows how to obtain financial aid/scholarships for additional education.
15. Understands future prospects and probable living standards relative to levels of education and specialized skills.
16. Is able to identify the connection between course work and vocational goals.

The same applies for a job or career. I never want to squash anyone’s dreams. But in this day and age of social media and everyone just sharing their “highlight reel,” it can be deceiving as far as what it really takes to get there.

Getting and Keeping a Job- IEP Transition Goals

1. Can make an appointment for a job interview.
2. Knows appropriate clothing to wear for the interview.
3. Can write a resume.
4. Has a completed job application/fact sheet to take on a job interview.
5. Knows to prepare for a job interview.
6. Can complete a job interview.
7. Knows the function of and can contact the public employment agency.
8. Knows the function of and understands that private employment agencies charge fees.
9. Can identify ads placed by private employment agencies.
10. Can contact temporary employment services.
11. Has a resume.
12. Can follow up an interview with a letter.
13. Is able to maturely weigh the advantages of one job over another.
14. Understands legal discrimination and where to seek help if discriminated against illegally.
15. Dresses for work appropriately.
16. Reports to work on time.
17. Knows job responsibilities and how to complete job tasks. 
18. Knows to contact employer when not able to go to work.
19. Know how to read a pay stub.
20. Knows appropriate way to talk to a supervisor.
21. Knows what behaviors will get a person fired immediately.
22. Knows how to ask for help with a problem on the job.
23. Knows if eligible for sick time, vacation time, or personal time. 
24. Knows what a grievance procedure is.
25. Know what to do to get a raise.
26. Knows where and when not to talk with co-workers.
27. Has a plan for handling anger when angry at supervisor, co-workers, or customers.
28. Can implement anger management plan in majority of cases.
29. Knows how to use company grievance procedure to resolve disagreements.
30. Knows companies “unwritten policies” and can function within them.
31. Knows how to ask for a raise.
32. Knows what to do to be eligible for promotion.
33. Knows legal rights as an employee.

And as always, presume competence! Good Luck!