What is a transition assessment?

A transition assessment is primarily focused on evaluating a student's readiness for post-secondary life. It specifically aims to gather information about a student's preferences, strengths, interests, and needs as they relate to transitioning from school to adulthood. This includes understanding their goals for employment, education, and independent living, which are vital components of a successful transition.

The assessment process involves a comprehensive approach, incorporating various tools and methods such as interviews, surveys, observations, and direct assessments. This information helps educators and service providers develop individualized transition plans that support the student's goals and facilitate a smooth transition to life after high school.

In contrast, assessments of academic performance may focus solely on a student's learning achievements and skills, which do not encompass the broader aspects needed for successful adulthood. Evaluating emotional stability is essential but serves a different purpose than preparing for post-secondary readiness. Likewise, assessing physical education skills is specific to a particular domain and doesn’t encompass the wide-ranging factors related to transitioning into adulthood. These other assessments do not address the comprehensive readiness required for life after school, making them less relevant in the context of transition assessments.