Educational content from the office of Francisco J. Vizcarrondo. Free to read, without registration.
Transition prepares a student for education, training, employment, and, when appropriate, independent living. It should reflect strengths, interests, and needs rather than consist only of a referral to another agency at school exit.
Distinguish the starting points
IDEA requires measurable postsecondary goals and transition services no later than the first IEP in effect at age 16, or earlier if the team finds appropriate, with annual updates. Puerto Rico’s 2026–2027 IEP guide starts transition exploration and documentation in sixth grade. Law 263 adds a preliminary vocational evaluation at age 12. These requirements complement one another.
From aspirations to specific services
Goals should rest on age-appropriate transition assessments. Identify courses, instruction, community experiences, related services, and necessary activities, with responsibility and follow-up. A postsecondary goal concerns life after school; an annual goal develops a skill during the school year.
Participation and coordination
The student must be invited when postsecondary goals and transition services are considered. If absent, steps must be taken to consider the student’s preferences and interests. Inviting agencies that may provide or fund services requires the consent in §300.321(b). If another agency fails to provide an IEP transition service, the team must reconvene to identify alternatives under §300.324(c).
The answer for your situation depends on the facts and records. An inquiry does not suspend legal deadlines or guarantee that the office will accept the case.
Reference sources
34 C.F.R. §300.320(b) · Metas y servicios de transición / Transition goals and services34 C.F.R. §300.43 · Transición / Transition34 C.F.R. §300.321(a), (b), (e) · COMPU / IEP team34 C.F.R. §300.324(a)(4), (a)(6), (b) · Revisión y enmiendas / Review and amendmentsLey 263-2006, art. 7 · Evaluación vocacionalGuía PEI 2026–2027 · pp. 51–55: perfil de transición / Transition profileRules must be read in context. This explanation may require updating and individual review.