IL HB0979

Amends the Illinois School Code Section 14-8.03 to define "transition services" as a coordinated set of activities for students with disabilities designed to improve academic and functional achievement and facilitate movement from school to post-school activities including post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.

Requires IEPs to include measurable post-secondary goals and needed transition services beginning no later than when the student turns age 14 1/2 (or younger if appropriate) and updated annually thereafter.

Establishes procedures for transition planning as part of the IEP process with required participation from school district, parents, and students, and allows for participation by representatives from Department of Human Services, other state agencies, and community service providers.

Requires school districts to identify outside resources and assign IEP team members to contact, refer, and monitor outside entities providing transition services, with specific review periods to assess student progress toward transition goals.

Requires school districts to submit annual summaries of each student's IEP transition goals and services to the local Transition Planning Committee and provide transition assistance to students with disabilities ineligible for special education services upon request.