Best transition practice engages students in the transition planning process. Several Division on Career Development and Transition position papers call for increased opportunities to enable students to learn self-determination skills by actively participating in and perhaps leading their transition planning meetings. Research has demonstrated improved academic and postschool outcomes for students with increased student self-determination skills. The student-directed summary of performance (SD-SOP) provides an opportunity for students to become engaged in their transition planning process. Special educators can use the SD-SOP to increase the awareness of students regarding their disability, provide a means for students to understand the results of transition assessment data, and obtain useful supports. Examples of student-directed summary of performance forms are presented, along with a discussion of how they can be completed and put into practice.
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