In education, it is important that learning continues beyond the classroom for all students. However, for students in special education, the continuation for education beyond the classroom sometimes requires more care. All students within special education have an individualized education plan (IEP) which guides teachers how to aid the students in their education. When the student reaches sixteen years of age, or fourteen as required by Indiana law, students with an IEP have a specialized transition IEP (TIEP). The TIEP is a planning and legally binding component of the IEP, which details the projected post-school outcomes for the student.

Planning for this TIEP should begin in middle school and become more formalized as students progress towards graduation. The change and progression towards the TIEP can be very overwhelming for individuals (teachers and parents) not familiar with the process. The following reference guide aims to give background to the transition process, as well as include information that may be helpful to create a well rounded and individually appropriate TIEP. Some items are directed more specifically at teachers, while other at parents or student. However, all items included are meant to guide, help facilitate, or explain a component of the transition process.