IEP Transition Services in Oregon
When does IEP transition planning start in Oregon?
Oregon follows the federal IDEA requirement that transition planning be included in the IEP beginning no later than the first IEP to be in effect when the student turns 16, and updated annually thereafter (OAR 581-015-2200(2); 34 CFR 300.320(b); ORS 343.035(19); ORS 343.181). Oregon Revised Statutes define transition services as 'a coordinated set of activities' focused on postsecondary education, competitive employment, independent living, and community inclusion, based on the student's individual needs, preferences, and interests (ORS 343.035(19)). The transition IEP must include: (1) appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments in education or training, employment, and where appropriate independent living; (2) the transition services needed to help the student reach those goals; and (3) a course of study aligned with those goals (OAR 581-015-2200(2); 34 CFR 300.320(b)). Oregon encourages student involvement in IEP meetings discussing transition, and districts must invite the student when a purpose of the meeting is discussing postsecondary goals or transition services (OAR 581-015-2210(1)(f); 34 CFR 300.321(b)(1)). If a participating agency will be responsible for providing transition services, it must be invited with parental consent (OAR 581-015-2210(1)(g); 34 CFR 300.321(b)(3)). Key Oregon partners for transition include Vocational Rehabilitation Youth Services, the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) for students with visual impairments, the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities. Under ORS 343.181, educational rights transfer to the student upon reaching the age of majority (age 18 per ORS 109.621), and districts must notify both the student and parents of this transfer and provide information about supported decision-making alternatives to guardianship. Oregon provides a Summary of Performance (form 581-1278-P) for students leaving school through graduation or aging out, documenting academic achievement and functional performance (34 CFR 300.305(e)). The Transition Oregon network (transitionoregon.org) provides statewide resources and professional development.
What Oregon Requires
Transition planning must be included in the IEP no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16, updated annually (OAR 581-015-2200(2); 34 CFR 300.320(b); ORS 343.035(19)).
The transition IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals in education/training and employment (and independent living if appropriate), transition services, and a course of study (OAR 581-015-2200(2); 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Oregon districts must invite the student to IEP meetings when transition is a purpose, and must invite any participating agency (with parental consent) that will deliver transition services (OAR 581-015-2210(1)(f)-(g); 34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Key Oregon transition partner agencies include Vocational Rehabilitation Youth Services, Oregon Commission for the Blind, Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), and Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Educational rights transfer to the student at the age of majority (age 18); districts must notify both the student and parents of this transfer and provide information about supported decision-making alternatives (ORS 343.181; ORS 109.621).
Oregon offers multiple diploma options for students with disabilities including the Modified Diploma (ORS 329.451(6)) and Extended Diploma (ORS 329.451(7)), and the IEP Team must address diploma pathways as part of transition planning.
A Summary of Performance (form 581-1278-P) documenting academic achievement and functional performance must be provided when a student graduates or ages out of eligibility (34 CFR 300.305(e)).
Key Timelines
Transition services must be included in the IEP beginning no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16, and updated annually (OAR 581-015-2200(2); 34 CFR 300.320(b); ORS 343.035(19)).
FAPE continues through age 21 unless the student graduates with a regular/standard diploma first; Modified or Extended Diploma recipients remain eligible (ORS 339.115(2)).
Educational rights transfer to the student at age 18 (the age of majority under ORS 109.621); districts must provide advance notice of this transfer to both the student and parents (ORS 343.181).
Sources
Related IEP Guides
IEP Transition Goals: Preparing Your Child for Life After High School
What IEP transition planning is, when it starts, what transition goals should include, and how to prepare your child for life after school.
Intellectual Disability and the IEP: What Real Support Looks Like
How students with intellectual disabilities qualify for IEPs, what services to expect, transition planning, and how to advocate for high expectations.