Beyond the Exit: Reimagining Transition as a Shared Design Process

Transition should not be treated as the final stage of special education. It should be understood as a shared design process that begins early, develops over time, and extends beyond a student’s exit from school. That requires schools to move from planning for students to designing with them. Families bring essential knowledge, students bring their goals and strengths, and community partners bring access to the systems and opportunities that remain after school services end.