This monograph promotes the enhancement of self-esteem as a basic responsibility of middle level schools. Chapter 1 makes a case for the importance of self-perception, and describes a rationale specifically focused on early adolescents that is based on history, contemporary issues, and research. Chapter 2 analyzes changes in the adolescent's…

This Spanish version of "How to Work and Live in the Real World: Basic Steps for Youth with Handicaps and Their Parents and Teachers" is for young people with handicaps who are getting ready to graduate from high school and begin working and living in the adult world. The booklet places a special focus on individuals with cultural…

When students with handicapping conditions reach the age of 21 or attain a high school diploma, it is necessary for them to make a transition from educational services to adult services in the form of employment, sheltered workshops, residential programs, etc. This volume assists local school districts in complying with their regulatory…

Thirteen programs were selected in 1987 by the Division of Personnel Preparation of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, to develop programs for the preparation of transition personnel to work with youth with handicaps. This monograph is a compilation of the competencies for transition specialists identified by the 13…

Successful transition for young handicapped children into other programs depends on a variety of factors, including personnel time, development of a comprehensive transition plan, positive teacher attitudes, and careful followup. Problems in transitioning may include weak evaluation procedures, limited social capacity of handicapped students, and…

This report and associated materials describe a project to develop and deliver a self-directed transition planning curriculum for high school students with and without disabilities. The NEXT S.T.E.P. (Student Transition & Educational Planning) curriculum was field tested with 300 teachers and 5,000 students in several states. Activities and…

This guide to whole life planning for people with disabilities describes whole life planning as a person-centered way of assisting people with disabilities to plan for their future. Whole life planning relies on the involvement of a small group of committed people who are willing to act as advocates and resources to the focal person. The manual…

This document includes a three-part set of Parent Briefs that focus on supplemental security income. The first Brief (published in March 2003)provides basic information on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the federal income support program for people who have disabilities and limited income and resources. It identifies myths about SSI…

Preschool teachers can assist parents as their special needs children make the transition from the home or other services into public preschool programs. Respecting parent concerns, providing for individualized parent involvement, normalizing the classroom environment, and allowing time for adjustment are some ways that teachers can help. (JDD)

Data collected from a 2-round Delphi procedure involving model transition program directors validated the relative importance of a list of 22 employment outcomes and 65 related activities in the transition of individuals with disabilities from school to employment. Educational agencies and service providers can use the list to target areas that…

Examines the implementation and curriculum of the Santa Clara County Head Start Transition Project, a program designed to help preschoolers adjust to the public school environment. Discusses key lessons learned from the project and specific ideas and activities that can be used by Head Start programs to smooth the transition from preschool to…

This article presents recommendations for transition planning assessment for secondary students with learning disabilities. It proposes redirecting assessment practices to obtain present-level-of-functioning information for Individualized Education Program planning that extends beyond high school graduation. Current assessment procedures that…

This article reviews topics concerning the transition of students with learning disabilities into the work setting, including: definition of learning disabilities, relevant federal legislation, importance of transition planning, "best practices" in transition planning and programming, special problems in working with students who have learning…

Self-determination is an important component of transition services and prompting this outcome requires that educators use assessment both to design instruction and provide information about instructional effectiveness. This article introduces self-determination as a critical transition outcome, examines assessment issues, and overviews practices,…

Successful and meaningful transition services are the result of careful planning. This planning is driven by a young person's dreams, desires, and abilities. It builds a youth's participation in school, home and community living. Transition planning helps to prepare young people for their futures. It helps them to develop skills they need to go on…