From its introduction in 1990, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has included requirements for secondary transition planning. The most recent re-authorization of the IDEA (2004) and its regulations introduced new requirements related to secondary transition planning. One of the new requirements— the Summary of Performance (SOP)—is meant to assist the student in reaching his or her post-secondary goals.
The IDEA describes a SOP as “a summary of the child’s academic achievement and functional performance, which shall include recommendations on how to assist the child in meeting the child’s post-secondary goals” [20 U.S.C.1414(c)(5)(B)]. Michigan special education rules do not contain any added requirements regarding Summary of Performance.
