Connecting Annual Goals to the Transition Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

The Postsecondary Transition Plan and Annual Goals are two essential components of Transition IEPs. The postsecondary transition plan outlines the student’s interests, desires, and needs for their lives as they become adults in the areas of education and training, employment, and independent living. Annual goals should focus on the student’s academic, behavioral, and personal needs.

Specifically, the annual goals should be written to support at least one of the student’s postsecondary goals. The Indiana IEP requires the identification of the supported postsecondary goal as part of the information provided for each annual goal. Teachers should consider student’s postsecondary goals as they plan, write, and evaluate progress on a student’s annual goals.

For example, suppose a student has a postsecondary goal to complete a college degree for their education and training transition goal. In that case, their annual academic goals should support preparation for future college academic work. If a student’s postsecondary employment goal is to work in customer service, and their annual goal is to improve social interactions with other people, this demonstrates how behavioral goals should directly support employment goals.

Connecting the transition plan and annual goals is crucial for students’ transitions to adulthood. By ensuring all Transition IEP components align with the student's desired future, we prioritize their long-term success. Furthermore, for students with significant learning needs, the documented data and artifacts gathered while monitoring these interconnected goals become valuable assets for their Transition Portfolios. These portfolios serve as powerful tools for demonstrating their skills, progress, and readiness for community living and employment.

The Transition IEP and Transition Portfolio Crosswalk includes a section on annual goals and examples of examples of portfolio artifacts such as achievement certificates, data, photographs, or videos that can become part of a student’s portfolio.

Bonus Tip:

We are excited to offer the “From Transition IEP Knowledge to Portfolio Application” webinar series. These trainings will consist of 6 separate one and a half hour sessions focusing on quality aspects of each section of the transition IEP and how these sections intersect with a quality transition portfolio. All sessions will include breakout rooms where you can ask questions and access additional support.

Upcoming dates:

  • February 5: Transition IEP and Transition Portfolio Intersections – Present Levels
  • February 12: Transition IEP and Transition Portfolio Intersections – Transition Assessments and Postsecondary Goals
  • February 19: Transition IEP and Transition Portfolio Intersections – Transition Services and Activities
  • February 26: Transition IEP and Transition Portfolio Intersections – Annual Goal Statements
  • March 5: Quality Transition Portfolio Format, Uses, and Examples
  • March 12: Transition IEP and Transition Portfolio Work Session Breakout Rooms

To register for these upcoming webinars, visit the INSTRC Training and Technical Assistance webpage.

The virtual Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) starts tonight! Sessions will be offered in English and Spanish from January 28 through March 4, 2025. To learn more, visit the English FEAT registration and Spanish FEAT registration webpages.