Pupils with exceptional needs: individualized education programs: postsecondary goals and transition services.

Existing law requires local educational agencies to identify, locate, and assess individuals with exceptional needs and to provide those pupils with a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, with special education and related services as reflected in an individualized education program. Existing law requires, beginning not later than the first individualized education program to be in effect when a pupil is 16 years of age, or younger if determined appropriate by the individualized education program team, and updated annually thereafter, the individualized education program to include appropriate measurable postsecondary goals and transition services, as defined, needed to assist the pupil in reaching those goals. This bill would instead require an individualized education program, commencing July 1, 2025, to include measurable postsecondary goals and transition services, if determined appropriate by a pupil's individualized education program team, beginning when an individual with exceptional needs is starting their high school experience and not later than the first individualized education program to be in effect when the pupil is 16 years of age, as provided. By imposing additional requirements on local educational agencies in relation to individualized education programs, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.