Early Transition Interest and Self-Advocacy Inventory for Special Education, Grades 6 to 8

This early transition interest and self advocacy inventory helps middle school students in special education share what they like, what they are good at, how they learn, and what helps them.

Why I made this: A seventh grader once sat through her whole IEP meeting without saying a word, then told me she did not know she was allowed to talk. I made this so middle schoolers can practice small, real self advocacy skills before the big high school questions arrive.

What’s included:

• A 20 page PDF and an editable Word copy

• A teacher page with exact counts, timing, and how to use the results, plus how to give it

• 16 picture and word interest items and 12 strength items, rated with words, not faces

• 10 "how I learn best" items

• 12 "what I am curious about" cluster cards, a 3 column sort mat, and a recording page

• 10 support items, 6 ways to ask for a break or help, and a "my supports in my words" page

• A "my voice at my IEP meeting" starter with sentence starters, and a spring re check page

• A family voice page, a teacher observation page, and a 2 page summary with 6 first step goal starters

How to use it: Give the student pages over 2 short sessions and read them aloud as needed. Send the family page home or complete it on a call. Watch the student for a week or two before filling out the teacher page. Bring it together on the summary pages and pick one or two goal starters.

Who it’s for: Middle school special education teachers, case managers, and counselors working with students in grades 6 to 8, including students who are just starting to read.

Format: PDF, US Letter, 20 pages, plus an editable Word copy. Prints well in black and white.

How this is different: The Transition Assessment + Family Guide Bundle is built for high school. This inventory is only for grades 6 to 8. It covers interests and early self advocacy. There are no job skill ratings and no independent living checklist.

Made by Jeremy D. Gooch, special education teacher and transition coordinator. Drafting and layout had AI assistance; every page was checked by me.