State and Federal Requirements for Beyond Age 18 Transition Programming
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Chapter 115 of the Wisconsin State Statutes provide students with IEPs the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) until the student either earns a regular high school diploma or reaches maximum age. Wisconsin State Statute 115.76(3) defines maximum age as the end of a school term during which the student turns 21 years old. If a student turns 21 prior to the beginning of a school term, the student’s maximum age will be reached in the previous school year. The school term for this purpose is defined by each local school district calendar. In most instances, students with IEPs will graduate in the four year cohort much like their peers without disabilities. However, if the student has not met state and local requirements to earn a regular high school diploma or met their individualized IEP goals, the student remains entitled to FAPE. For these students, there are important considerations for IEP teams to make to ensure a student’s right to FAPE is met, as well as preparing the student to reach their postsecondary goals in the areas of education, training, employment and, as necessary, independent living.
Collaboration is a critical component in the successful transition from high school to adulthood for students with IEPs. Your child’s IEP team will work closely with outside agencies and you to build a meaningful day for students engaged in programming between ages 18-21. While a school district plays a critical role in the transition process, successful 18-21 year old services exhibit increasing shared responsibility between transition stakeholders during the final years of a student’s education.
For more information regarding our Transition Program, please visit our program website.
MHASD Transition
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