Book excerpt: The purpose of this guide is to assist those involved in the transition planning process to help students with disabilities achieve a smooth transition from school to adult life. The guide addresses topics that deal with the preparation of students with disabilities as they leave high school. The guide's eight chapters deal with: (1) defining transition and transition planning and outlining relevant legislation; (2) transition and self-advocacy, and the student's rights and responsibilities at the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting; (3) identification of needs and student assessment, including methods of collecting data, how to use assessment data, and types of assessment; (4) developing an individual plan for transition, focusing on targeted outcomes and roles and responsibilities of IEP team members; (5) curriculum for successful transition, including functional curriculum, daily living skills, social skills, occupational skills, and other topics; (6) support services in secondary and postsecondary settings; (7) transition planning and interagency cooperation; and (8) program evaluation and follow-up, which emphasizes the need for student follow-up as a necessary part of transition. Appendixes provide sample IEP statements, goals and objectives, suggested transition activities, and a sample IEP form. (Contains 34 references.) (CR)