WV Guideposts to Graduation
Thank you for your willingness to partner with us on our State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) related to improving graduation outcomes for students with disabilities! The SSIP work is now known as the West Virginia Guideposts to Graduation (WVGtG) representing the different pathways and supports available to students with disabilities on their journey toward graduation with a regular high school diploma. Through open, concise, and meaningful communication and collaboration that results in consistent high-quality professional learning and technical assistance, we expect to increase local capacity for preparing students with disabilities for everyday living, employment, education, and/or enlistment.
This webpage has been designed to provide resources and materials intended to build this capacity at the local level, as well as providing general information for the public. We are interested in your feedback to improve our website and resources. All feedback is anonymous, and responses are regularly reviewed for continuous improvement of our work to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. In order for the data to be comparable with other stakeholder input, we ask that you submit your responses through the following survey link – WVGtG External Stakeholder Feedback Survey.
Please contact the WVDE at ssip.wvde@k12.wv.us for differentiated support and technical assistance related to secondary transition services, graduation, drop-out prevention, and post-school outcomes.
Sections on This Page
- State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP)
- Data Dashboard
- Secondary Transition
- Alternate Diploma
- Effective Practices
- Student and Family Supports
- WV Statewide Connections
Overview of WV Guideposts to Graduation (2021-2026)
The Overview of WV Guideposts to Graduation [PDF] provides a short description of what, why, and how the SSIP work can be leveraged to improve graduation outcomes for students with disabilities ages 14-21 so that by June 2025, 86% of students with disabilities will graduate from high school with a regular diploma.
SSIP Evaluation Plan
The SSIP Evaluation Plan [PDF] provides a description of the expected outcomes and data collection methods used to measure progress toward the goal set by stakeholders for the State-identified Measurable Result (SiMR).
SSIP Theory of Action
The SSIP Theory of Action [PDF] outlines the relationship between the resources and support offered by the WVDE and the potential impact to improve graduation outcomes for students with disabilities when local educational agencies (LEAs/districts) have the knowledge and capacity to implement evidence-based practices as well as engage meaningfully with students and families
Data Dashboard
West Virginia Secondary Transition Journey
In West Virginia, preparing students with disabilities for successful transition to post school outcomes begins long before they graduate from high school. The Your Journey, Your Path, Your Future Infographic [PDF] provides a simple description of secondary transition that can be printed and provided to students and families.
Once a student reaches the age of 14, students must be given age-appropriate transition assessments. These results help the IEP team create measurable post-secondary goals, develop transition services and activities, choose an appropriate course of study, and generate annual transition goals. These plans are reviewed every year to help the student make progress on their secondary transition journey.
Secondary Transition Assessment Resource Bank
The interactive dashboard version of the Secondary Transition Assessment Resource Bank PowerBi contains resources to help students, families and school personnel identify potential careers that meet students’ interests and the basic supports necessary to become, or remain, employed. Self-determination and independent living assessments are included to assist in developing an inventory of individual skill levels necessary for successful post-secondary goals related to household chores, personal care, common community errands, as well as personal growth and community participation.
Post Secondary Goals Worksheet
Starting with the IEP to be in effect when a student is 14 years old, regardless of the student’s eligibility category, the IEP must include postsecondary goals in the areas of education/training, employment, and, when appropriate, independent living. The Post Secondary Goals Worksheet [PDF] document provides support for IEP teams as they develop quality postsecondary goals for students with disabilities ages 14-21.
IDEA Secondary Transition Services
Secondary transition services are defined as a coordinated set of activities and supports necessary for a student with a disability to achieve a seamless transition from high school to post-school environments. Transition services delivered by LEAs are based on individual student interests and needs and are aligned to the student’s postsecondary goals. The activities listed in IDEA Secondary Transition Services - January 2026 [pdf] are not exhaustive but have been provided as examples of the transition services and activities that could be delivered by local schools.
Annual Secondary Transition Goals Tip Sheet
The Annual Transition Goals Tip Sheet [PDF] provides information about developing measurable annual transition goals. It also includes a brief summary of state and federal regulations, essential components of writing annual transition goals, and examples of how to connect annual transition goals to a measurable post-secondary goal.
Work-Based Learning Opportunities - West Virginia State Parks Directory (Fall 2025)
The WV State Parks Directory for Work-Based Learning Opportunities [PDF] provides contact information and potential jobs related to work-based learning opportunities in Parks, Forests, ATV/Motorized Trails operated by the State of West Virginia.
NTACT:C – A Side-by-Side View: Secondary Transition Services
The NTACT:C – A Side-by-Side View [PDF] was developed by a national technical assistance center and provides an overview of the regulations related to secondary transition service delivery for Pre-Employment Transition Services (pre-ETS), Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Secondary Transition Monitoring
Secondary Transition Plan Monitoring Process - Indicator 13
The Monitoring Process for Secondary Transition Plans [PDF] document outlines specific steps required by the local educational agency (LEA) so that the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Office of Special Education (OSE) can ensure that the LEA is correctly implementing the requirements of IDEA regarding the secondary transition planning process. Monitoring secondary transition plans is a federal reporting requirement. Please email ssip.wvde@k12.wv.us for more information.
Secondary Transition File Review Checklists
The Indicator 13 Educator Self-Assessment [PDF] is a single page fillable form that directs the user to determine compliance as part of a self-assessment of secondary transition plans. The Secondary Transition File Review Checklist [PDF] provides comprehensive information on the specific criteria and documentation/evidence required for monitoring and accountability as it relates to secondary transition plans.
The Secondary Transition Compliance vs Best Practice Chart is designed to help special educators and IEP teams clearly distinguish between minimum compliance requirements for secondary transition and best practices that lead to improved post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. By comparing what is required with what is effective, the chart supports schools and LEAs in moving beyond compliance toward intentional, student-centered secondary transition planning.
Age of Majority
The Age of Majority [PDF] describes what Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team members need to know and do before a student reaches the age of majority. If a student is unable to make independent decisions, this document includes information related to alternative options such as supported decision-making. It also provides resources for school personnel, parents, and students that may be helpful in guiding conversations during transition planning.
Summary of Performance (SOP)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 [20 USCS §1414(c)(5)(B)(ii)] requires a summary of performance document for students exiting special education with a regular high school diploma or who reach the maximum age for eligibility. IDEA also requires a prior written notice (PWN) for change of placement due to graduation with a regular high school diploma. This Summary of Performance with PWN [PDF] acts as an exit document that includes the PWN and summarizes student strengths and challenges as well as successful learning strategies used while in high school. Once a student leaves high school, the adult student/parent may give permission for the SOP to be provided as appropriate to: (1) a student support services office at a college or university, (2) an agency providing services after high school, or (3) an employer. The SOP is an essential component to enable continuity of transition support for the student after graduation [34 CFR §300.305(e)(3)].
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Alternate Diploma: Tip Sheet for Personnel - December 2022
The Alternate Diploma: Tip Sheet for Personnel [PDF] provides guidance and general information regarding students on the alternate diploma track.
Understanding Alternate Diplomas - September 2022
What Teachers, Parents, and Students need to know to understand alternate diplomas [PDF].
WVASA Eligibility Checklist - Fall 2022
The WVASA Eligibility Checklist [PDF] contains the criteria used by IEP Teams to determine whether students with the most significant cognitive disabilities are eligible to participate in the West Virginia Alternate Summative Assessment (WVASA). This form is reviewed and completed annually even if students have previously been found eligible to participate in WVASA.
WVASA Eligibility Guidance - Fall 2022
WVASA Eligibility Guidance [PDF] is a companion document for supporting IEPs teams as they complete the WVASA Eligibility checklist.
Evidence-Based Resource Bank – Secondary Transition - July 2025
Evidence-Based Resource Bank – Secondary Transition [PDF] provides an overview of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) related to improving graduation outcomes for students with disabilities ages 14-21.
Evidence for ESSA
evidenceforessa.org is sponsored by the Center for Research and Reform in Education (CRRE) at Johns Hopkins University School of Education. Their mission is to provide clear and authoritative information on programs that meet the ESSA evidence standards and enable educators and communities to select effective educational tools to improve student success
IRIS | Resources (vanderbilt.edu)
The IRIS Center creates a host of materials and resources about evidence-based instructional and intervention practices. Developed in collaboration with nationally recognized researchers and education experts, these instructional resources are created for use in professional development activities, and independent learning opportunities for practicing educators.
WVGtG Implementation Frameworks to Support Effective Practices
These frameworks include:
- Specially Designed Instruction
- High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) [PDF] in Special Education
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) [PDF]
- West Virginia Tiered System of Supports (WVTSS) [PDF]
These documents provide a description of the practice with related resources also provided as website and video links designed to provide schools, families, and the community with additional information to improve graduation outcomes for West Virginia students.
Early Warning System (EWS)
An EWS is a platform that uses local, historical student data; research-based early warning indicators; and predictive analytics to accurately identify students who are in danger of not achieving key educational milestones, such as on-time graduation. WVDE uses ZOOMWV as it’s single source for pre-k through grade 12 educational data.
Preventing Dropout in Secondary Schools (2017 Educator’s Practice Guide)
The goal of the Preventing Dropout in Secondary Schools (2017 Educator’s Practice Guide) [PDF] is to offer educators specific, evidence-based recommendations that address the challenges of preventing dropout in secondary schools. This guide synthesizes the best publicly available research and shares practices that are supported by evidence. It is intended to be practical and easy for teachers and school leaders to use.
Communities In Schools
Communities In Schools (CIS) West Virginia and CIS site coordinators leverage partnerships to connect students and families with community resources, tailoring them to their specific needs.
Engaging High School Parents
Engaging High School Parents [PDF] Provides five (5) strategies and quick wins for school administrators to encourage family engagement for secondary students.
Transition from Pre-K to Post-School
This resource reflects the belief that families are a child’s first teachers, and that collaboration between families and schools is key to supporting students throughout their education. The Transitions from Pre-K to Post-School document is designed as a family-friendly guide for educators to use to support families with developmentally appropriate skills and experiences across key grade spans. It is organized around four critical areas connected to positive post-school outcomes: Self-Determination, Post-Secondary Education/Training, Employment, and Independent Living/Community Participation.
West Virginia Advisory Council for the Education of Exceptional Children
The West Virginia Advisory Council for the Education of Exceptional Children provides parent support and statewide advocacy resources. The West Virginia Advisory Council for the Education of Exceptional Children (WVACEEC) is mandated by WV state Code §18-20-6 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) §300.136.
WV Parent Training & Information
The West Virginia Parent Training and Information, Inc. (WVPTI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit parent organization committed to improving the lives and education of ALL children through a special emphasis on children and youth with all disabilities and special healthcare needs. We serve parents and families of a child or youth from birth to age twenty-six with special needs. We are committed to providing parents and families the tools to ensure that children, youth, and young adults with special needs lead enriched lives as full members of their schools and communities.
PACER Center – Champions for Children with Disabilities
PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to young adults. Parents can find publications, workshops, and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment, and other services for their children with disabilities.
Classroom 2 Career
Classroom 2 Career is a one-stop website designed to help all students navigate the future by providing information on careers, colleges, military service, entrepreneurship, and on-the-job training.
Community Resources
No Wrong Door West Virginia was developed by the Justice Administration to help West Virginians with resources and solutions for overcoming barriers. The parent organization Findhelp.org is the national database which provides the most up-to-date information. These local resources can be used to find support programs related to jobs, housing, transportation, medical care, education, and food.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The West Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps students with disabilities, ages 14-21, prepare and plan for their future. Services for high school students with disabilities can include self-advocacy training, career exploration, tutoring, mentoring, soft skills training, educational support, counseling on postsecondary education opportunities, vocational training assistance, college/university tuition support, workplace readiness training, work-based learning experiences, and job search and placement assistance. Further assistance is available beyond graduation that may include vocational training, college financial assistance, job placement services, and much more. For more information, please visit wvdrs.org or contact DRS by email (DRSQuestions@wv.gov) or call 1-800-642-8207.
- The 2023 Cooperative Agreement between WVDE and WV DRS [PDF] has been developed for the purpose of more effective and efficient service delivery to West Virginia students with disabilities. This document outlines the roles and responsibilities of each agency in the identification and delivery of appropriate transition and pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities ages 14-21.
- To assist students and youth with disabilities in achieving their post-school and career goals, Congress enacted two key statutes that address the provision of transition service. The 2020 transition guide to postsecondary education and employment for students and youth with disabilities [PDF] was provided by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to aid in the seamless transition from school to post-school activities.
- Project SEARCH is a groundbreaking program that challenges traditional expectations and empowers young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve competitive employment. For more information, email Cindy.R.Beneke@wv.gov.
Behavior and Mental Health Technical Assistance Center (marshall.edu)
The Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center is funded by West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and is housed at the Autism Training Center at Marshall University. Services are initiated through the local school district/educational agency (LEA) as part of a student's individualized education program (IEP).
WV Autism Training Center (marshall.edu)
The West Virginia Autism Training Center (WV ATC) was established in 1984 by the WV Legislature and housed at Marshall University. Services are initiated through the local school district/educational agency (LEA) as part of a student's individualized education program (IEP).
WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (cedwvu.org)
WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVU CED) is a federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), and part of a national network of similar centers across the country. WVU CED serves as a resource to the community in the areas of education, research and service as it relates to the needs of people with disabilities.