This review of literature and research concerns innovative programs and services for students in the transition between elementary and secondary schools. Chapter 1 identifies the areas of focus, methodology, context, guiding assumptions, and report structure. Chapter 2 looks at the characteristics and needs of early adolescence and discusses the…

This report highlights recommendations made in recent research reports concerning the role of vocational education in enhancing the success of students at risk of dropping out of school. It has been found that components of vocational education programs successful at retaining students include mechanisms for helping at-risk youth to follow…

This paper addresses the need for special education students to learn appropriate work-related oral language and personal/social oral competencies to enhance their success in transition/career-oriented endeavors. It emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary approach in developing these skills. The paper begins with a historical perspective,…

Many of the problems encountered by learning disabled high school students in the transition from secondary to postsecondary education settings can be minimized if planning for transition occurs at high school entry. Transition planning for the college bound learning disabled student needs to include the design of a relevant high school curriculum…

This conference report focuses upon transition issues for those individuals with profound multiple-sensory impairments. It contains presentations, reactions, and syntheses of discussions by working groups. The keynote address, by H. D. Bud Fredericks, is titled "Those with Profound Handicaps: Who Are They? How Can They Be Served?."…

This analysis of secondary-postsecondary alignment issues suggests some clear directions that campus, system, and state policy leaders must take to improve the success of students in the educational pipeline. These efforts will be more successful if they take place as part of broader K-16 initiatives--efforts that include early outreach to high…

The book "Bilingual Education in Massachusetts: The Emperor Has No Clothes" is summarized. The summary outlines the demographic situation of the limited-English-proficient (LEP) population and the status of bilingual education in the state, within the context of existing legislation. Issues in the debate over availability and type of…

This fact sheet summarizes promising secondary education practices that special educators can employ to help improve the post-school outcomes of students with exceptional learning needs. These practices are organized into the following five categories: student-focused planning, student development, interagency collaboration, family involvement,…

This fact sheet describes the role of the transition specialist, an individual who plans, coordinates, delivers, and evaluates transition educational services at the school or system level, in conjunction with other educators, families, students, and representatives of community organizations. It summarizes the competencies for transition…

If the lives of adults with disabilities are any measure of the impact of decades of special education, there are serious problems that must addressed. The employment rate among adults with disabilities, for instance, remains low. If a group of students choose paid employment as a goal for adult life, would not those same students want their…

This article summarizes findings from the Macomb Project's 15 years of research and provision of model demonstration computer application services to young children with disabilities, their families, and service delivery staff. Staff training, administrative support, technology assessments, family involvement, and transition services are all…

Difficulties in transitioning students with disabilities in rural areas include poor postschool outcomes, transportation problems, limited job market, negative attitudes toward job training programs (resulting from high unemployment), lack of job training sites, and lack of information concerning job accommodation for disabled workers. Includes…

This article discusses aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) which may be of particular interest to individuals with learning disabilities preparing for employment. Case studies are presented to illustrate applications of the ADA to typical workplace situations, and suggestions are given with regard to employment preparation…

Discusses two primary rural disability issues: employment needs of, and outcomes for, rural youth with disabilities; and employability development and transition methods. Suggests improvements for service delivery through effective case management, parent education and support, and collaboration among educational and rehabilitation agencies. (KS)

Questionnaires completed by 777 participants evaluated 32 pilot summer programs in the United Kingdom designed to help high-risk 16-year-olds make the transition from secondary school to adult life and to enhance eight personal and social skills through outdoor activities. Results indicate the programs had a positive impact, but numerous…