Transition Solutions Approach

Approach PDF

The National Standards and Quality Indicators for Secondary Education and Transition, developed by the National Alliance for Secondary Education and Transition (NASET), serve as the foundation for our approach to bringing about systems change and high school reform. The standards reflect quality secondary education and transition services for all students. They guide Transition Solutions' work in interagency team development, strategic action planning, and evaluation of state and local impacts and results.

What are the NASET Standards and Quality Indicators?

The NASET Standards and Quality Indicators are an organizing framework identifying five key areas for improving youth outcomes -

1. Schooling
2. Career preparatory experiences
3. Youth development and youth leadership
4. Family involvement
5. Connecting activities

NASET developed research-based standards and quality indicators for each of these five areas to provide a clear vision for all who are interested in helping youth succeed in school, at work, and in the community.

• Standards are principles mutually agreed upon by families and professionals in the fields of general education, special education, career and technical education, postsecondary education, youth development, and workforce development.
• Quality Indicators are observable conditions that help professionals know whether they are meeting the standards.

Sample Standard and its Associated Quality Indicators

1.3 State Education Agencies/Local Education Agencies (SEAs/LEAs) systematically collect data on school completion rates and postschool outcomes and use these data to plan improvements in educational and postschool programs and services.

• 1.3.1 Data are disaggregated and reported in clear and relevant language for the intended audiences.
• 1.3.2 Data and resulting reports are widely disseminated throughout the education community-to policymakers, school board members, school administrators, parent groups, postsecondary educators, public and private school educators, and the community.
• 1.3.3 SEAs/LEAs use reliable and valid instruments and data collection strategies.
• 1.3.4 Graduation and postschool outcomes data are used to evaluate current programs and services and to make recommendations for future programs and services linked to positive postschool outcomes.

How do the NASET Standards and Quality Indicators guide Transition Solutions' work?

Transition Solutions consultants utilize the NASET Standards and Quality Indicators to support state and local cross-agency planning and program improvement efforts, to develop strategic plans, and to evaluate progress. One example of how Transition Solutions is using the standards and indicators as a framework to support cross-agency planning is in the mapping and alignment of resources at the state and local levels.

For more information on the NASET Standards and Quality Indicators, the evidence and research which supports them, and a sample self-assessment, priority setting tool, and action planning tool, visit the NASET Web site at www.nasetalliance.org.