Lesson Plan
Post-Secondary Options Framework
Equip 12th-grade students with knowledge of college, vocational, employment, and community-based post-secondary paths; guide them to compare options and draft a personalized transition plan with self-assessment and commitment.
Many students with IEPs need structured support to navigate life after graduation. This workshop builds decision-making skills, self-advocacy, and goal-setting aligned to Special Education Transition & Life Skills standards.
Audience
12th Grade Special Education Students
Time
70 minutes
Approach
Interactive presentation, collaborative exploration, and individual planning.
Materials
Beyond Graduation Presentation, Option Comparison Matrix, Create Your Transition Plan, Plan Quality Rubric, Next Step Pledge Cards, and Chart Paper & Markers
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review Beyond Graduation Presentation slides and speaker notes
- Print and organize copies of:
- Arrange desks in small-group clusters
- Ensure chart paper and markers are available for group sharing
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
10 minutes
- Display slide 1 of the Beyond Graduation Presentation
- Review session objective and agenda
- Prompt: “What post-secondary paths have you considered?”
- Students pair-share for 2 minutes, then volunteers report out
Step 2
Explore Post-Secondary Options
15 minutes
- Advance through slides showcasing: college, vocational programs, military/employment, and community resources
- For each option, highlight key features, benefits, and common challenges
- Pause after each section for student questions and clarifications
Step 3
Option Comparison Matrix Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute Option Comparison Matrix
- In groups of 3–4, select two post-secondary options to research and complete matrix columns (cost, duration, supports, pros/cons)
- Use chart paper & markers to note one group insight
- Each group shares a summary (1–2 minutes)
Step 4
Draft Your Transition Plan
20 minutes
- Hand out Create Your Transition Plan
- Individually, students define a post-graduation goal, list required steps, identify supports, and set a timeline
- Teacher circulates to offer guidance and answer questions
Step 5
Self-Assess with Rubric
5 minutes
- Introduce Plan Quality Rubric
- Students quickly evaluate their draft plan against rubric criteria
- Identify one area for improvement and jot it on their worksheet
Step 6
Next Step Pledge Cool-Down
5 minutes
- Distribute Next Step Pledge Cards
- Students write one concrete next step with a target date
- Volunteers share pledges; collect cards for tracking or display on classroom board
Slide Deck
Beyond Graduation?
A 70-minute workshop for 12th graders
Explore college, vocational programs, employment & community resources
Draft a personalized post-secondary transition plan
Welcome students and introduce the workshop. Explain that today we’ll explore different paths after high school and create a plan for your future.
Session Objectives
• Understand different post-secondary options
• Compare benefits, costs, and supports
• Draft your own transition plan
• Self-assess plan quality
• Commit to a next step
Read through each objective and connect to student goals. Emphasize self-advocacy and decision-making skills.
What Is Post-Secondary?
Any learning or training after high school:
• College (2- and 4-year)
• Vocational & technical programs
• On-the-job training & apprenticeships
• Community & support services
Define post-secondary education broadly. Encourage questions about any term or option.
College Pathways
• 4-year universities: bachelor’s degrees, broad majors
• Community colleges: associate degrees, certificates
• Pros: campus resources, financial aid options
• Challenges: cost, academic rigor
Highlight key features: academic focus, campus life, and supports for students with IEPs.
Vocational & Technical Programs
• Trade schools: automotive, HVAC, cosmetology
• Technical centers: IT, health careers
• Pros: focused skills, shorter duration, job placement support
• Challenges: program cost, limited majors
Discuss hands-on learning and direct career prep. Share local program examples.
Employment & Military
• Direct workforce entry: retail, admin, manufacturing
• Apprenticeships: earn while you learn
• Military: training, benefits, service commitment
• Pros: income, career growth
• Challenges: entry requirements, long-term commitment
Briefly cover military enlistment & immediate employment. Emphasize benefits and commitments.
Community-Based Resources
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Independent Living Centers
• Supported Employment Programs
• Pros: tailored supports, ongoing coaching
• Challenges: application processes, waitlists
Introduce community resources such as vocational rehabilitation and independent living centers.
Comparing Options
Use this matrix to evaluate two options:
• Cost & duration
• Required supports
• Pros & cons
Discuss findings with your group
Explain how to use the Option Comparison Matrix. Demonstrate one example column.
Draft Your Transition Plan
- Post-graduation goal
- Key steps & deadlines
- Supports & resources needed
- Person responsible & timeline
Use Create Your Transition Plan
Walk through each section of the transition plan template. Stress realistic goals and timelines.
Self-Assess with Rubric
Evaluate your draft plan on:
• Clarity of goal
• Detail of steps & timeline
• Identification of supports
• Realistic feasibility
See Plan Quality Rubric
Review rubric criteria: clarity, completeness, feasibility, and alignment with goals.
Next Step Pledge
Write one concrete next step:
• What will you do?
• By when?
• Who can help?
Use Next Step Pledge Cards
Encourage students to think of one next action they can take and a date. Collect cards for display.
Closing & Q&A
• Questions & reflections
• Where to find more info
• How to get additional support
Thank you and good luck!
Open the floor for final questions. Remind students where to find resources and offer follow-up support.
Activity
Option Comparison Matrix
Use this matrix to evaluate and compare different post-secondary options. Review the two sample rows below, then choose two options you’re interested in and fill in the blank rows.
| Option | Cost | Duration | Supports Needed | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College (Community College) | $1,200 per semester | 2 years (Associate) | Disability services; peer tutoring | Lower cost; smaller class sizes | Limited majors; may need to transfer later |
| Vocational Program (HVAC Technician) | $8,000 total program | 6 months | On-site job coach; hands-on lab equipment | Focused skill training; quick entry to work | Program cost; fewer general education courses |
| 1. __________________________ | _____________________ | _________________________ | ____________________________________________ | ____________________________________________ | __________________________________________ |
| 2. __________________________ | _____________________ | _________________________ | ____________________________________________ | ____________________________________________ | __________________________________________ |
After completing, discuss with your group:
- What surprised you about costs or supports?
- Which option seems most feasible for you, and why?
- What additional information would you need to decide?
Project Guide
Create Your Transition Plan
Use this template to draft a clear, actionable plan for life after high school. Be specific with dates, people, and resources.
1. Post-Graduation Goal
What do you want to achieve after graduation? Write one clear, measurable goal.
Example: Enroll in the local community college’s certificate program in Medical Office Administration by Fall 2024.
2. Key Steps & Deadlines
List the major steps you need to take, when you’ll complete them, and who is responsible for helping you.
| Step | Deadline | Person Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| 1. __________________________ | ________________ | _____________________________ |
| 2. __________________________ | ________________ | _____________________________ |
| 3. __________________________ | ________________ | _____________________________ |
| 4. __________________________ | ________________ | _____________________________ |
| 5. __________________________ | ________________ | _____________________________ |
3. Supports & Resources Needed
What accommodations, services, or people will help you reach your goal? (e.g., Disability Services Office, peer mentor, family member, job coach)
4. Anticipated Timeline
Map out when each major phase of your plan will happen—from now until you’re fully enrolled or employed.
When you finish, use the Plan Quality Rubric to self-assess clarity, detail, feasibility, and alignment with your strengths and supports.
Rubric
Plan Quality Rubric
Use this rubric to self-assess your draft transition plan. Circle the descriptor that best matches your work for each criterion. Each criterion is scored on a 1–4 scale (4 = Excellent, 1 = Beginning). Total possible points = 16.
| Criterion | 4 – Excellent | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity of Goal | Goal is specific, measurable, time-bound, and aligned with interests/values | Goal is clear and measurable but lacks minor details or specificity | Goal is vague or only somewhat measurable; missing timelines | Goal is unclear, overly broad, or absent |
| Detail of Steps | Steps are logically sequenced, well-detailed, with dates and responsibilities | Steps are present and mostly clear, with some dates/responsibilities | Steps listed but lack detail, clear sequence, or specific deadlines | Steps are minimal, disorganized, or missing |
| Support Identification | All relevant supports/resources identified, with roles and contacts specified | Several supports/resources identified with some detail; roles clear | Limited supports identified; lacks specificity or missing key resources | No or unclear supports/resources identified |
| Feasibility | Plan is highly realistic; timelines appropriate; anticipates challenges with backup strategies | Plan is realistic with proper timelines; minor challenge considerations | Plan is somewhat realistic but has timeline or resource gaps; no contingency | Plan is not feasible; unrealistic timelines or lacks practical considerations |
Scoring Guide: Add your scores for each criterion to get a total out of 16.
- 14–16: Exemplary plan – ready to share with your support team.
- 10–13: Solid plan – refine a few areas for clarity or detail.
- 6–9: Developing plan – revisit steps, supports, or feasibility.
- 4–5: Beginning plan – work on defining your goal and action steps.
After scoring, identify one area to improve before finalizing your transition plan.
Cool Down
Next Step Pledge Card
Complete your personal pledge below:
- What will I do?
- By when?
- Who can help me?
My Signature: ____________________________ Date: ________________
Draw or doodle your goal or next step here: