Transition Tidbits

As we close out the 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how our transition efforts connect to the bigger picture. Transition Systems Framework (TSF) brings all of Pennsylvania’s secondary transition work under one unified, evidence-based approach. Grounded in 13 predictors of post-school success, the TSF helps schools and teams design coordinated systems that lead to meaningful outcomes in education, employment, and independent living.

The Bureau of Special Education (BSE) and PaTTAN are scaling up TSF across the state through professional learning, coaching, and cross-agency collaboration. The goal? To ensure every LEA has the tools, language, and structure to build sustainable, student-centered transition systems.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to your Intermediate Unit transition TAC or regional PaTTAN consultant to learn more.

Together, we can make sure the systems supporting our youth are as strong as their potential.

Both the Transition Systems Framework (TSF) and Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) help schools and communities create systems that truly support youth and families — they just approach it from complementary angles.

CtLC

• Focuses on youth & family life domains
• Guides goal-setting & planning
• Provides tools & worksheets for meaningful input

TSF

• Focuses on LEA/system-level transition supports
• Guides implementation & coordination
• Provides structures & processes for systemic change

🧭 Putting It Together: Practical Connections

• Use CtLC Trajectory Worksheets during transition assessments to connect individual student goals to TSF predictors like Career Awareness or Independent Living Skills.

• Incorporate CtLC tools into Community Leadership Team meetings to center discussions on what good life outcomes look like across systems.

• When completing the TSF Survey or action planning, use CtLC language to ensure systems-level strategies remain grounded in student and family perspectives.

🌐 Resource Links

• Learn more about CtLC: lifecoursetools.com

Pennsylvania's youth are the driving force behind everything we do. Their voices guide our decisions, shape our programs, and ensure that we genuinely serve the communities we work for and alongside. Transition Systems Framework is paving the way for stronger outcomes in secondary transition, our teams, professionals dedicated to supporting students in special education, are working every day to create meaningful, successful pathways for young people as they move into adulthood.

And this is exactly why youth voice matters! When young people are included in project planning, program design, and program evaluation, our work becomes more impactful, more relevant, and more sustainable. Pennsylvania is proud to be one of the first states to place youth engagement at the heart of this work. We are moving in the right direction by centering feedback from the very students we serve and making real changes based on what they tell us. As we enter the new year, remember that incredible things happen when students are empowered to take the lead. “Youth can do it” too!

If you’re looking for ways to bring your students into this work, here are a few exciting opportunities to get them involved:

Have them take the Youth Transition Survey.
This statewide survey helps students share what’s working, what they need, and what supports matter most. Their input directly informs state-level planning and program improvement. Connect with Hillary Mangis at hmangis@pattanpgh.net for guidance on where to find and how to use this tool.

Connect them with the PYLN and encourage them to join a Community Leadership Team.
The Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network is a powerful space where youth connect, collaborate, advocate, and lead. Students gain confidence, leadership skills, and the opportunity to influence real change in their communities. Connect here: Join our PYLN Network (2026)! - Google Forms (please send this form directly to students who would like to get involved).

Support them in leading their own IEP meetings.
Student-led IEPs build self-advocacy, independence, and ownership of their transition plan. PaTTAN’s Youth Engagement Specialists are ready to help you and your team make this shift and bring student voice to the forefront of every meeting. Connect with Hayley Penn at hpenn@pattan.net with any questions.

As we continue forward, let’s uplift youth perspectives, celebrate their leadership, and create spaces where their voices shape our systems. The future is bright because they are leading the way.

The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University is offering individualized healthy relationship and sexuality education for adults 18 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sessions are available in person or via Zoom. A trained sexuality educator will customize the lessons and learning experience to meet each client's needs. Topics covered may include online safety, healthy relationships, personal health, and more. All sessions are free of charge. Email iodhsp@temple.edu to learn more.

This study, funded by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training (ASERT) Collaborative and conducted by researchers at Penn State College of Medicine, aims to explore the benefits of a psychoeducational art therapy intervention for improving coping skills in individuals with Autism. This study is voluntary, and participants must meet certain eligibility criteria. Enrollment will only be guaranteed if the individual meets all the eligibility requirements.

We are currently recruiting young adults ages 18-25 who have been diagnosed with Autism and are not enrolled in High School. To participate, individuals must be able to self-report. Participants will be placed into one of three randomized groups that includes an assessment only group, a psychoeducation only group, or a full art therapy intervention group. Participation in the study will last for about 18 weeks total.

Please feel free to share the QR code and survey link with anyone who may be interested in joining this study.

https://redcap.link/bq3tgrut

Thank you for your time!

For questions please contact:

Stacey Hanley

shanley@pennstatehealth.psu.edu

Human Research Technologist

Do you know students who make & sell their own products?

We’re highlighting mini-businesses established by students in the #secondarytransition process at the 2026 PDE Conference!

• Applications due Friday, 1/9/26
• Contact the PDE Exhibit Hall team to apply
• pdeconferenceexhibitors@pattankop.net

The Student Shoppe is a great opportunity for #SpecialEducationInPa students to expand their work skills and broaden their understanding of marketing, advertising, and sales.

Apply now and join us in #MakingADifferenceinPA!

http://tinyurl.com/PAEdConf

This free course for service providers, offered by UMASS CHAN, shares key info & resources related to the importance of engaging young adults in work and school endeavors, and strategies for doing this.

Access the free training here!

Join NTACT:C staff as they provide life hacks for work-based learning experiences over 9 episodes.

Access the series here!

View the list of skills to consider when determining student needs, as well as measuring student progress in the pre-employment transition services required area of workplace readiness training, to include social skills and independent living.

Looking for a place where you can Connect, Collect, & Contribute

to all things secondary transition?

Connect with people from across our state to collect

resources, share events and contribute stories about positive post-school outcomes!

Click here to create an account and login to join our PA Secondary Transition- Public Square.

Pennsylvania’s Intermediate Unit Post-School Outcomes (PSO): Transition Training and Consultation (TaC) staff play a key role in helping schools and regions strengthen transition systems through the Transition Systems Framework (TSF). These specialists provide coaching, professional learning, and facilitation to support cross-agency collaboration, data-driven planning, and implementation of effective transition practices. Working alongside LEAs, community partners, and families, Transition TaC staff help build coordinated systems that prepare youth with disabilities for successful adult life. Their leadership ensures that TSF moves from framework to action—creating sustainable, regionally aligned pathways to improved post-school outcomes.

Click here to find transition support in your region!

Not sure what IU supports your region, visit the PAIU website!

Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) can serve as important partners in the Transition Systems Framework (TSF), helping connect education and workforce systems to expand opportunities for youth with disabilities. LWDBs coordinate with schools, employers, and community agencies to build regional pipelines that prepare students for competitive, integrated employment. By partnering with LWDBs, transition teams gain access to valuable labor market data, work-based learning opportunities, and connections to PA CareerLink® services.

Find your local LWDB: Visit PA CareerLink® Workforce Development Boards to explore your region’s board and learn how to get involved in strengthening your community’s transition-to-work system.

The D.R.E.A.M. Partnership is excited to share a new video from our Think Higher. Think College. campaign, made for K–12 educators and school leaders who help students with intellectual disability dream big and plan for their futures.

In this short film, meet Nicole, a young woman thriving in college, and hear from her high school team and college faculty about the supports that helped her succeed. You’ll also hear from educators, transition specialists, and administrators who are proving that college is possible for every student.

Why It Matters

College opens doors, helping students with intellectual disability gain independence and meaningful, long-term employment.

Spread the Word!

Show educators everywhere that students with intellectual disability can go to college, and that they play a key role in making it happen.

About the Campaign

Think Higher. Think College. is a public awareness campaign that promotes the idea that college is possible for students with intellectual disability. The campaign aims to increase understanding of inclusive college options, highlight the benefits and outcomes of attending college, and inspire others to share the message: Think Higher. Think College.

Are you looking to learn more information about transition?

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides information, tools, and supports to assist multiple stakeholders to provide effective services and instruction for students and out-of-school youth with disabilities.

Check out their Training Resource Library.

If you're new to transition, be sure to check out Transition 101!

The PA ABLE Savings Program gives individuals with qualified disabilities a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses while maintaining important benefits.

Some of the topics we will discuss include: eligibility requirements for opening a PA ABLE account, the federal and state tax benefits, ABLE Age Expansion, and how PA ABLE interacts with important benefits.

Mon, Dec 15

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST

Online event

Register Here

If you require accommodations to participate in this webinar, please contact us at info@paable.gov.

Session Dates

Wednesday February 04, 2026 - Online
Friday March 27, 2026 - Online

This course is designed to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively implement work-based learning experiences for students with disabilities. Participants will explore the importance of work-based learning as a critical component of secondary transition planning and learn basic guidelines for creating sound, legal, and meaningful programs. The activities are designed to empower participants to develop a work-based learning toolkit that supports the implementation of course outcomes.

Objectives

• Explain why work-based learning is a critical component of secondary transition planning for students with disabilities
• Apply basic guidelines to create sound, legal, and meaningful work-based learning programs tailored to students with disabilities
• Design a comprehensive work-based learning toolkit to effectively facilitate work-based learning experiences

Target Audience

Special Education Teachers, Transition Coordinators, Special Education Administrators

Topics Covered: Secondary Transition

Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this event. Contact: Kristen Olszyk at kolszyk@pattan.net

Use this link to register~

Are you looking for transition events across PA?

Don't forget to check the events calendar to stay up to date on all of the great events happening in PA and nationally related to secondary transition!

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a group of various stakeholders from across Pennsylvania who work collaboratively to ensure appropriate transition outcomes for Pennsylvania youth and young adults.

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a state leadership team consisting of representative from: the State Departments of Education, Health, Labor and Industry, and Human Services; Various Serving Agencies, Young Adults, Parent Organizations, Advocates, Higher Education, and Employers.

The shared vision and common goals of the Pennsylvania Community on Transition is achieved when all PA youth and young adults with disabilities:

• Successfully transition to the role of productive and participating adult citizens
• Are empowered to recognize their talents, strengths, and voice
• Have equal access to resources that will promote their full participation in the communities of their choice.

Email: pasecondarytransition@gmail.com
Website: https://www.pasecondarytransition.com/
Phone: 4128266878
Twitter: @hmangiskuntz