Building Effective Schoolwide Transition Systems Through Research-Based Practices

PaTTAN’s Transition Systems Framework (TSF) unifies and strengthens secondary transition efforts across Pennsylvania, driving improved outcomes in education, employment, and independent living.

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Practices That Drive Post-School Success

PaTTAN’s Transition Systems Framework (TSF) translates research into action, supporting students, families, and educators through proven strategies for life beyond high school.

PaTTAN’s Transition Systems Framework (TSF) is a strategic, research-informed approach designed to improve student outcomes in education, employment, and independent living after high school. Drawing on studies by Mazzotti et al. (2020) and Rowe et al. (2014), TSF aligns transition services with proven predictors of success, enabling schools to build inclusive, lasting, and outcome-focused support systems. TSF was designed to:

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Improve
Systems

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Ensure Sustainable Practices in Pennsylvania Schools

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Enhance student outcomes

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Whether you're an educator, a family member, or a student preparing for the future, TSF provides a clear roadmap with access to the tools, experiences, and relationships you need to thrive.

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Foundations of Effective Transition Systems: TSF’s Core Components

Effective transition systems integrate inclusive practices, career preparation, and skill development—such as self-determination, digital literacy, and independent living—supported by strong programs, collaboration, and cultural expectations. Together, these elements drive successful outcomes in postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.

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System Cultural Norms and Expectations

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A Complete Support System for Schools

TSF provides tools and coaching to help teams assess their practices, plan improvements, and achieve stronger outcomes for students.

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TSF
Screener

A brief tool to help school teams determine where they are in their current implementation and what support they may need.

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TSF
Survey

LEAs complete a detailed data collection tool to assess how fully evidence-based predictors are being implemented across their system.

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TSF Action
Planning

Based on the screener and survey data, school teams develop targeted action plans to improve systems and student outcomes.

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Implementation
Support

Schools can request customized technical assistance and coaching from PaTTAN and Intermediate Unit consultants to effectively implement TSF.

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How Schools Use TSF to Strengthen Transition Planning

School teams can use PaTTAN’s Transition Systems Framework (TSF) to assess their current transition practices, identify areas for improvement, and align efforts across programs, partners, and stakeholders. Through a structured, data-informed process, teams can build cohesive, student-centered systems that lead to stronger post-school outcomes.

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A Unified Guide for All Educators

TSF empowers every educator with a common language and structure to strengthen long-term student and family support systems.

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Partnering with Families for Success

By fostering early, outcome-driven planning, TSF ensures families are engaged, informed, and supported every step of the way.

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Elevating Youth Voice in Transition Systems

TSF is built to elevate youth voice, ensuring that students are active participants in shaping their own transition goals and futures.

Have Questions?

PaTTAN and Intermediate Unit staff are here to help you bring TSF to life in your school community.

By incorporating diverse voices and implementing proven practices, the TSF creates meaningful opportunities and outcomes for students with disabilities

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Helpful Tools and Learning Resources

Not Sure Where to Start? Our Featured Resources Might Be Exactly What You Need