Postsecondary transition planning should include which elements?

• A. High and realistic goals for students
• B. Parental input on planning transition and the student’s ability to work or post-school options
• C. Goals that disregard work or post-school options
• D. Plans that exclude parent involvement

Answer: (A)

Setting goals that are high yet realistic for the student provides the direction and motivation for postsecondary transition planning. When goals are ambitious but attainable, the team can identify the concrete steps, supports, and experiences needed to move toward life after school—whether that means supported work, further education, or independent living. Parental input is valuable and helps ground the plan in the student’s daily life, but the central element is the content of the goals themselves—clear statements about where the student is heading and what success looks like. If goals ignore work or postschool options, the planning loses its purpose. Plans that exclude parent involvement miss essential collaboration that supports the student across settings.