Transition Information for Parents and Students with IEPs (TIPS) Brochures
TIPS Brochures were developed through a collaboration between FCSN and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). They provide important information from DESE’s Transition Technical Assistance Advisories about the post-secondary transition process.
TIPS: The Secondary Transition Planning Process
Learn about key transition terms, creating a student vision, transition assessment, and IEP goal development, as well as tips for working with the IEP Team to develop a strong transition plan.
Vietnamese (PDF) Coming Soon
TIPS: Transition Assessment
Learn how assessments can vary from student to student, strategies for guiding an assessment in line with a student’s vision, and scenarios when consent is or is not required. 
Technical Assistance Advisory SPED 2014-4, Transition Assessment in the Secondary Transaction Planning Process: www.doe.mass.edu/sped/advisories/2014-4ta.html
TIPS: Self-Determination
Learn ways to foster self-determination in transition aged students, including skills and opportunities that can help students become better self-advocates.
Technical Assistance Advisory SPED 2016-2, Promoting Student Self-Determination to Improve Student Outcomes: www.doe.mass.edu/sped/advisories/2016-2ta.pdf
TIPS: Decision-Making and the Age of Majority
Learn how families and students can prepare for the impact of turning 18 and manage the decision making process.
Administrative Advisory SPED 2011-1, Age of Majority: https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped.advisiories/11_1.html
TIPS: Secondary Transition Services
Learn about secondary transition services and how to develop effective secondary transition plans for positive outcomes after high school.
TIPS: Disability Disclosure
Learn all about Disability Disclosure: what it is, why it’s important, and how it changes from high school to adulthood.
TIPS: The Transition Planning Form
Learn about the Transition Planning Form (TPF) and how to use the form to help write the IEP.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Transition Planning Form:
https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/secondary-transition/resources-materials.html
TIPS: Graduation and Students with IEPs
Learn how students with IEPs can earn a regular high school diploma in Massachusetts.
Administrative Advisory SPED 2018-2, Secondary Transition Services and Graduation with a High School Diploma: https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/advisories/2018-2.html
TIPS: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Learn the importance of transition planning for students with ASD.
Haitian Creole (PDF) Coming soon!
Technical Assistance Advisory SPED 2007-1, Autism Spectrum Disorder: https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/advisories/07_1ta.html
TIPS: Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) though the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
Learn about Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provided by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC),who is eligible for Pre-ETS and what types of services may be available for students with disabilities.
Technical Assistance Advisory SPED 2020-1 Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS): https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/advisories/2020-1ta.html
TIPS: Chapter 688 Referral
Learn about the Chapter 688 referral process including who is eligible for a 688 referral. Learn why a referral is important for students with significant disabilities who will need support from adult service agencies.
MA DESE Guidance on Chapter 688: https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/iep/688/
National Transition Resources
Center for Parent Information and Resources (https://www.parentcenterhub.org/transitionadult/) is a central hub of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities.
Got Transition (www.gottransition.org) is a federally funded resource center on health care transition.
Institute for Community Inclusion at University of Massachusetts, Boston: Think Work! ( https://www.thinkwork.org/topics/transition) is a hub for programs related to the employment of individuals with IDD.
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability https://youth.gov/federal-links/national-collaborative-workforce-and-disability is a federally funded program focusing on improving outcomes for youth with disabilities and their families, especially with regard to workforce preparation systems.
National Division on Career Development and Transition (https://dcdt.org/about-dcdt) is a private non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of and access to career development and transition services for individuals with all exceptionalities across the life span.
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (https://transitionta.org) is a federally funded program to support youth with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them in finding effective services and instruction for students and out-of-school youth with disabilities.
The PACER Center / National Parent Center on Transition and Employment (https://www.pacer.org/transition/) provides quality information on transition for youth with disabilities in a format that’s useful to families, youth, and professionals.
Webinars
Coming soon!
Resources for Families
A Comprehensive Approach to Transition
Charting the Life Course (CtLC) Framework has been adopted in Massachusetts to provide foundational principles and values to engage in family and person-centered thinking approaches. The tools and resources from CtLC will support individuals and families in developing a vision to pursue full lives.
Resources for Youth
A Comprehensive Approach to Transition
Youth Engaged 4 Change Find opportunities, answers and inspiration at this site for transition-aged youth curious about their employment and community building options.
