Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Education and Training - School Preparation

School-based preparatory experiences occur in the classroom and the educational environment. This section focuses on academic and career-technical standards, academic support, and developing a course of study.

School-based preparatory experiences occur in the classroom and the educational environment. This section focuses on engaging students in instruction, providing academic support, and developing a course of study that will prepare youth for postsecondary education and training opportunities.

The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) has identified evidence-based practices in secondary transition planning that lead to positive post-school outcomes in the area of education and training which are including students with disabilities in general education settings and curriculum, developing a course of study that is tied to the youth’s postsecondary goals, and offering a wide variety of career awareness opportunities.

Transition Planning: The Basics External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF; 54MB)
School-based preparatory experiences are referenced on pages 12-21 and page 26.

These pages also provide information on how to comply with elements 1-6 of the Indicator 13 requirements of the California Annual Performance Report (APR) External link opens in new window or tab. .

Common Core Academic and Career Technical Education Standards

Common Core Resources for Special Education
Resources and guidelines on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for the special education community.

Common Core and Transition Goals for the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) External link opens in new window or tab.
PowerPoint and tools from Connecticut.

Goalbook Toolkit External link opens in new window or tab.
An online resource for teachers for developing IEP goals aligned with CCSS.

Edutopia External link opens in new window or tab.
An array of project-based learning resources to engage students in experiential learning.

Access and Support for Postsecondary Education

Big Future College Board External link opens in new window or tab.
Services for students with disabilities in the college and university system.

Courses of Study

California Transition Alliance External link opens in new window or tab.
Webinars and supporting documents related to courses of study and triangulating annual goals.

California State University CSU Mentor External link opens in new window or tab.
This site provides middle and high school course of study planning tools and information about all colleges in California.

Questions:   Programs and Partnerships Unit | PPL@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Trending in Special Education
Recently Posted in Special Education
  • FMTA Consultant Assignments by Region (updated 17-Mar-2026)
    The Focused Monitoring and Technical Assistance (FMTA) Consultants are assigned geographically and by quality assurance activity to align with the eleven California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) regions.
  • WorkAbility I 2025–26 Program Guidance (added 03-Mar-2026)
    Guidance on the reinstatement of one grant condition and the continuation of temporary waivers for two grant conditions and important information regarding student wage requirements and financial reporting expectations for Fiscal Year 2025–26.
  • ACSE Agenda February 18-19, 2026 (added 06-Feb-2026)
    Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) meeting agenda.
  • California Annual Performance Report (updated 26-Jan-2026)
    Describes the State's progress or slippage in meeting the measurable and rigorous targets established in the State Performance Plan.
  • WAI Advisory Executive Meeting January 30, 2026 (added 20-Jan-2026)
    WorkAbility I (WAI) State Advisory Executive Committee Meeting Agenda.