Secondary Transition Services Rule Change

Overview

On October 21, 2024, the Arizona State Board of Education (SBE) approved a board rule change that impacts Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements, specifically secondary transition services. The newly adopted board rule requires: 

  • Transition services for students to be in effect in the IEP in place when the student ends 9th grade or age 16, whichever is first, or earlier, as determined necessary by the student’s IEP team. (A.A.C. R7-2-401(G)(4)(A))  
  • The student’s estimated graduation date to be included in their IEP, aligned with the transition plan. (A.A.C. R7-2-401(G)(4)(A)(c))  
  • The school to provide written notification to parent(s) of a student’s anticipated graduation date at least one year before the anticipated high school graduation date. (A.A.C. R7-2-401(G)(4)(A)(c)(i))  

 

These changes were immediately effective on the date of Board approval (10/21/2024), per Arizona State Board of Education Rulemaking Procedures.  

 

Implementation

ADE/ESS released a memo that provides background, next steps for public education agencies (PEAs), and the state education agency (SEA) responsibilities and implementation. The approved SBE rule is included for reference. 

Read the ADE/ESS SBE Transition Services Rule Change Memo

ADE/ESS also reviewed the revised rule and memo at the November 2024 Special Education Professionals Check-In. 

View the Secondary Transition Services Rule Change Presentation

 

Professional Development Opportunities 

Getting ahead to go beyond: secondary transition changes and considerations

The ADE/ESS Program Support & Monitoring (PSM) unit and the Secondary Transition Team are collaborating to provide in-person training about the new Arizona State Board Rule Change for Secondary Transition Services.  

Phoenix  

Dates: Wednesday, April 2, and Thursday, April 3, 2025 

Times: 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–3:00 p.m. (select one)  

Tucson  

Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 

Times: 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–3:00 p.m. (select one)  

Register for the PSM/Secondary Transition In-Person Training

Download the training flyer to share this opportunity. 

 

Secondary Transition Resources

For more information and resources about secondary transition for students with disabilities, visit the Secondary Transition webpage.