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This professional development course equips educators, transition specialists, and support professionals with evidence-based strategies to improve post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. Based on extensive research identifying 23 predictors correlated with successful transitions to adulthood, this course provides practical frameworks and tools for implementing high-quality transition services.
Participants will explore research-validated predictors organized into four critical clusters that, when implemented with fidelity, significantly improve student outcomes in employment, postsecondary education, and independent living. Through interactive modules, self-assessments, and action planning, participants will learn to evaluate current practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop concrete implementation strategies tailored to their specific educational settings.
Target Audience
This course is designed for special education teachers, transition specialists, school administrators, related service providers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and anyone committed to improving post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.
Course Structure
The course is organized into five modules:
Module 1: Foundations – Introduction to the research base, predictor framework, and the connection between in-school experiences and post-school success.
Module 2: Cluster One – Collaborative Systems for Youth Support – Covers Interagency Collaboration, Parental Involvement, Transition Program Development, Youth Support Networks, and Parent Expectations.
Module 3: Cluster Two – Youth Skills Development – Addresses Community Experiences, Self-Determination/Self-Advocacy, Goal Setting, Social Skills, Travel Skills, and Technology Skills.
Module 4: Cluster Three – Career Development – Explores Career Awareness, Occupational Courses, Paid Employment/Work Experiences, Work Study, and Career-Technical Education.
Module 5: Cluster Four – Policy and Systems – Examines policy frameworks including federal and state requirements that support predictor implementation.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to define and explain all 23 predictors, assess current transition programs, develop SMART goals for improvement, create comprehensive action plans, build effective interagency partnerships, and facilitate meaningful family engagement in transition planning.
Course Format and Requirements
This asynchronous online course includes video presentations with captions, interactive reflection activities, implementation checklists, case studies, and module quizzes. The total course duration is approximately 5-6 hours, with individual modules taking 45-75 minutes to complete. Participants must achieve 80% on each module quiz to progress, with multiple attempts allowed.
Professional Development Credit
Participants who complete all requirements will receive a certificate documenting professional development hours in transition services through the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Grant Acknowledgment
The contents of this course were developed under grant HR421E230012 from the U.S. Department of Education. The content does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and endorsement by the Federal Government should not be assumed.
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