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For Massachusetts students receiving special education services, Secondary Transition is a time that begins when they turn 14 (or earlier, if the IEP team agrees). From age 14 until they graduate or turn 22, students on IEPs receive transition services from their public school districts. Transition services are defined by federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA) as a "coordinated set of activities…designed to be within a results oriented process,…to facilitate the student's movement from school to post-school activities." Transition services are based on the individual student's needs, taking into account his/her strengths, preferences, and interests. These services help young adults to live, work, participate in the community, and go on to further education or training as independently as possible when they leave high school.
Explanation of the Visual Model
Brochure for Families and Students with IEPs: The Secondary Transition Planning Process
DESE Secondary Transition Resources and MaterialsFind Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) forms, advisories, training and technical assistance materials, and links to resources from special and general education.
Transition TopicsExplore state and national resources on Student Self-Determination, Transition Assessment, Postsecondary Education and Training, Competitive Employment, Independent Living, and Community Participation.
Indicator 13: Secondary TransitionLearn about this federal indicator which assesses transition planning and services for students with IEPs.
Indicator 14: Post-School OutcomesLearn about this federal indicator, which reports outcomes for young people a year after they have left high school.
Other Massachusetts State AgenciesLearn about other Massachusetts state agencies and the resources they provide to assist young people to achieve successful futures.
Disability-Specific Transition InformationExplore resources targeted to specific disability profiles.
Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE)
There are two pathways to access an inclusive public college education through Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education:
In-school pathway: Eligible students, 18–22 years, who are receiving transition services. These students in MAIPSE programs are dually- enrolled in college and supported by transition services through the school district.
Out-of-school pathway: Eligible students have exited school and special education services and receive services from an adult services disability agency, such as Department of Developmental Services and MassAbility.
MAIPSE Brochure
Additional ResourcesExplore more local and national resources.
Disclaimer: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not control, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in external websites.
Last Updated: October 6, 2025