IDEA focuses include transition planning and supports to help students transition to adulthood.

• A. Transition planning and supports to help students transition to adulthood
• B. Early diagnosis and intervention
• C. Highly qualified teachers
• D. Increased parent involvement

Answer: (A)

IDEA requires that transition planning and supports be built into the individualized education program so students with disabilities are prepared for adulthood. This means starting around age 16 (or earlier if appropriate) and creating transition services that help students reach measurable postsecondary goals in education/training, employment, and independent living. The IEP team conducts age-appropriate transition assessments, involves the student and family, and coordinates with community agencies to implement the necessary supports. That focus on planning for and enabling the move from school to adult life is why this option best reflects IDEA’s emphasis.

The other ideas are important in education but don’t capture the specific transition-to-adulthood focus: early diagnosis and intervention target early childhood services; highly qualified teachers describe staffing quality in general; increased parent involvement is part of IDEA but not the primary transition-specific emphasis.