FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

What did the IDEA 97 reauthorization change about the focus on transition services?

1. Lowered the age from 16 to 14

2. Eliminated the need for transition service plans

3. Increased the age to begin transition services to 18

4. Required annual transition assessments for all students

The correct answer is: Lowered the age from 16 to 14

The correct answer reflects that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reauthorization in 1997 lowered the age at which transition services must begin from 16 to 14. This significant change emphasized the importance of preparing students with disabilities for life after high school, including post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. By shifting the focus to an earlier age, IDEA acknowledged that planning and support for transitions should start well before the typical high school graduation age, allowing for tailored interventions and support strategies to be implemented sooner. This shift in policy underscores the commitment to enhancing opportunities and outcomes for students with disabilities by involving them and their families in the transition planning process much earlier in their educational journey. The intent was to ensure that students are better prepared for the challenges they will face after completing their education.