A transition meeting can cover a lot of information in a short amount of time. Having a few focused questions ready can help families and students leave the meeting with clearer responsibilities, timelines, and next steps.
1. What should happen between now and the next meeting?
Ask the team to identify specific actions that should take place during the school year so everyone understands what comes next.
2. How will we measure whether the current transition services are working?
Knowing what progress should look like makes it easier to determine whether a service, experience, or support needs to continue, change, or be strengthened.
3. Is there anyone outside of the school system we should be talking with now?
Some services have eligibility requirements, application processes, or waiting periods, so connecting with community programs or adult-service agencies before graduation may help avoid unnecessary gaps.
4. Who is responsible for each next step—and when should it be completed?
Before the meeting ends, clarify who will make referrals, gather information, contact programs, complete paperwork, or follow up with the student and family.
5. What information should we bring back to the next meeting?
Ask whether the team needs updated assessments, program information, applications, documentation, or feedback from outside providers so the next conversation can move forward.
Make Your Resource Search Easier
If the team recommends an outside service or the family realizes another connection may be needed, Tennessee Disability Pathfinder’s website can be used to search for disability-related programs and resources throughout Tennessee.
Try searching by the specific need, such as employment, transportation, education, independent living, assistive technology, or family support, rather than trying to find every transition resource at once.
Save these five questions on your phone, print them, or bring them to the next meeting. A few well-placed questions can help turn a conversation into a clear action plan.