The goal of special education is to prepare students for further education, employment, and independent living. Transition planning is the impetus to achieving those goals. In Texas, a student's IEP must address transition not later than the student's 14th birthday. Federal and state requirements delineate how schools may address the following transition-related topics:
Age-appropriate transition assessments
Post-secondary goals
Transition-related annual IEP goals
Transition services to enable students to achieve those post-secondary goals
High School Course of Study (graduation plan)
Student and/or parent involvement
Connection with community agencies
Team Members
Jessica Risinger
Program Coordinator
jrisinger@esc5.net
409-951-1783
Pathways: The Texas Transition and Employment Guide
The Texas Transition and Employment Guide provides information on statewide services and programs that assist in the transition to life outside the public school system for students enrolled in special education programs and their parents. Use the following links to download your copy of Pathways: The Texas Transition and Employment Guide to a Successful Life After High School for Students with Disabilities.
Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Braille Reading File) - COMING SOON
Information about the Texas Transition and Employment Guide
This document provides an overview of secondary transition planning using excerpts from the Texas Transition and Employment Guide. *Available in English and Spanish.
Program information from Region 5, checked September 7, 2026. View the official source page.