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 is to be included in their IEP, aligned with the transition plan. (A.A.C. R7-2-401(G)(4)(A)(c))
- The school is to provide written notification to the 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
In response to the SBE rule change, ADE/ESS revised the AZ-TAS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on Graduation of Student with Disabilities in Arizona's Schools. The FAQ is included for reference.
AZ-TAS FAQ: Graduation of Students with Disabilities in Arizona's Schools
Secondary Transition Resources
For more information and resources about secondary transition for students with disabilities, visit the Secondary Transition webpage.
