Post-Secondary Options Framework Lesson Plan Post-Secondary Options Framework
Lesson Plan: Beyond Graduation?
70 Minutes
Objective
Students will explore college, vocational, and community-based post-secondary options, compare their features, and create a personalized transition plan with clear next steps.
Why This Matters
This lesson empowers 12th-grade special education students to make informed choices about life after graduation, building independence and confidence as they prepare for their future.
At a Glance
Required Materials
Beyond Graduation Slides
Option Comparison Matrix
Transition Plan Template
Plan Quality Rubric
Next Step Pledge Handouts
Preparation Checklist
Review the Beyond Graduation Presentation slides to familiarize yourself with key talking points.
Print the Option Comparison Matrix activity for each student (consider double-sided).
Prepare copies of the Create Your Transition Plan template and Next Step Pledge .
Review the Plan Quality Rubric criteria for effective feedback.
Instructional Sequence
1
5 MIN
Introduction & Objectives
Greet students and outline goals: explore paths, compare options, and build a plan.
Display slide 1 with lesson objectives.
Invite students to share one hope they have for life after graduation.
2
15 MIN
Presentation: Explore Options
Present slides 2–7. Cover college (2/4 yr), vocational, and community supports.
Highlight sample programs, entry requirements, and support services.
Pause to check for understanding and answer student questions.
3
15 MIN
Activity: Compare Options
Distribute Option Comparison Matrix . Explain columns (Cost, Duration, Supports, Pros/Cons).
Students work individually or in pairs to fill out two interesting options.
Circulate to provide guidance and clarify details.
4
20 MIN
Project: Create Your Transition Plan
Provide Transition Plan template . Guide through Goals, Timeline, Resources, Responsible Person.
Encourage realistic goal-setting; identify community or school contacts.
Offer one-on-one support as students draft plans.
5
10 MIN
Review & Rubric Discussion
Invite volunteers to share portions of their plans.
Use Plan Quality Rubric to highlight strengths and areas for improvement.
Facilitate peer feedback on clarity, feasibility, and completeness.
6
5 MIN
Cool-Down: Next Step Pledge
Hand out Next Step Pledge for one concrete action this week.
Invite students to read pledges aloud or display on board.
Collect pledges to revisit in future check-ins.
Beyond Graduation Presentation Slide Deck Beyond
Graduation
Today's Objectives
Identify & compare post-secondary options
Use criteria to evaluate choices
Draft a personalized transition plan
Post-Secondary Pathways Workshop Grade 12 | Special Education
Welcome everyone! Introduce today’s goals: explore post-secondary paths, compare options, and draft a transition plan. Ask each student to share one hope they have for life after graduation.
College Pathways
2-YR Community College
Affordable tuition
Flexible schedules
Transfer opportunities
4-YR University
Broad degree programs
Campus life & clubs
Specialized supports
Explain the difference between 2-year and 4-year colleges. Highlight cost, program variety, and support services for students with IEPs.
Vocational Programs
Hands-on training in trades & technical fields
Shorter length (6 months to 2 years)
Certifications & Apprenticeships
Strong job placement services
Examples:
Automotive Technology • Culinary Arts • Cosmetology • HVAC • Graphic Design
Discuss vocational fields: show examples. Emphasize hands-on training and certification.
Community Resources
Employment
Paid internships, job coaching, and agency support (like Vocational Rehab).
Independence
Living skills programs, transportation training, and local nonprofits.
Building
Introduce community supports: talk about agencies like VR, independent living classes, and recreational groups. Encourage students to list local resources they know.
Comparing Your Options
Use your Option Comparison Matrix to evaluate:
Cost & Duration
Supports
Pros & Cons
Select 2 options to compare in detail!
Demonstrate how to fill out the matrix. Walk through each column: cost, duration, supports, pros/cons. Encourage students to ask clarifying questions.
Your Transition Plan
Grab your template and define:
1 Goals (What you want)
2 Timeline (When to achieve)
Option Comparison Matrix Activity Option Comparison Matrix
Beyond Graduation? • Activity 1
Name:
Date:
Use the table below to compare two post-secondary options. Fill in each box with details from our discussion, slides, or your own research.
Feature Option 1 Option 2 Option Type
(e.g., 2-Yr College, Vocational) | | |
|
Estimated Cost
| | |
|
Duration
(How many months/years?) | | |
|
Support Services
(Tutoring, Job Coaching, etc.) | | |
|
Pros (Advantages)
| | |
|
Cons (Disadvantages)
| | |
Reflection & Next Steps
Which option do you find most appealing right now? Why?
Review your entries. Be ready to explain your choice during our class discussion!
Create Your Transition Plan Project Create Your
Transition Plan
My Personalized Pathway After Graduation
Student Name
Target Graduation Date
1
My Goal
What is your main goal after graduation? (e.g., enroll in a program, find a job, join a volunteer group)
2
Timeline
When do you plan to achieve this goal? (Month/Year)
3
Resources & Supports
Who or what will help you? (People, programs, tools, accommodations)
4
Responsible Person
Who is your point of contact? (Name & role—Counselor, Job Coach, Teacher)
Concrete Next Steps
A.
By Date:
B.
By Date:
Keep this plan visible • Revisit often • Update your team
Plan Quality Rubric Plan Quality Rubric
Transition Success Assessment Tool
Scores Range From
Use this rubric to assess the strength of each student’s transition plan. Use it during the Review & Rubric Discussion phase to provide targeted feedback on clarity, completeness, and feasibility.
Criterion 4 – Exemplary 3 – Proficient 2 – Developing 1 – Beginning 1. Goal Clarity & Specificity Goal is very clear , measurable, and reflects student’s interests and strengths. Goal is clear and relevant but may lack one measurable detail or full alignment. Goal is stated but is vague, broad, or missing measurable elements. Goal is unclear, overly general, or not stated. 2. Timeline & Milestones Timeline is realistic , includes specific dates, and breaks goal into clear milestones. Timeline has dates and milestones but one or two are imprecise or slightly ambitious. Timeline lists a target date but lacks intermediate milestones or realistic pacing. Timeline is missing, unrealistic, or has no clear milestones. 3. Resources & Supports Needed Identifies multiple relevant resources with specific roles and contacts. Lists key resources and support persons but may omit one or two details. Mentions some resources but lacks specificity or omits critical supports. Fails to identify necessary resources or supports. 4. Feasibility & Realism Plan steps are highly achievable given student’s skills and context. Plan is generally realistic, though one or two steps may require extra support. Some steps are ambitious or unrealistic without additional preparation. Plan includes steps that are not feasible for the student. 5. Accountability & Checkpoints Includes at least two clear action steps with deadlines and responsible contacts. Includes action steps and deadlines but may lack clear assignment of responsibility. Lists action steps but deadlines or responsible persons are missing or unclear. No concrete action steps, deadlines, or accountability measures.
Scoring Key
18–20 points Exemplary
14–17 points Proficient
Next Step Pledge Handout Next Step Pledge
A Personal Commitment to My Future
1. Student Name
2. My Next Step Action (What I will do this week)
3. Target Completion Date
4. Why This Action Matters to Me
Student Signature
Date
Official
