"What do all youth need to make a successful transition to adulthood?" This is the central question that the Guideposts for Success is designed to answer. Two characteristics set the Guideposts for Success apart from other frameworks and resources pertaining to youth transition. First, it recognizes that youth in the…

Nationally, the recent focus has been on adopting state-developed standards in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics that build toward college and career readiness. Of the states that have elected to adopt the Common Core State Standards (CCSS; National Governors Association, Council of Chief State School Officers, 2012), states either (a)…

Parents and caregivers are often faced with the daunting task of assisting students with disabilities in selecting a work program to attend after graduation. Finding the right program to suit the unique needs of each individual can be trying and frustrating as parents and teachers attempt to prepare students for life after school by providing work…

In response to legislative mandates that schools use evidence-based instructional practices, the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center has identified evidence-based practices and predictors in the area of secondary transition for high school students with disabilities. This article provides an overview of practices and…

There is a federal movement to improve student outcomes targeting some of these predictors in several recently launched initiatives, but where does Arizona stand? What are we currently doing to move the needle, and what do we still need to do? This report prepared for the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council has two objectives: (1)…

Summer provides valuable but often untapped opportunities for youth to explore or deepen their interests, preferences, and strengths; accrue valuable work-related skills and experiences; and establish connections to their communities. At the same time, it is clear that summer opportunities do not happen automatically for many youth with…

High school students with disabilities who drop out are costly to society. Compared to those who graduate, they are more likely to be unemployed, dependent on public services, and involved in the criminal justice system. Consequently, helping students with disabilities graduate has become a prominent national concern. Students with disabilities…

High school students with disabilities who drop out are costly to society. Compared to those who graduate, they are more likely to be unemployed, dependent on public services, and involved in the criminal justice system. Consequently, helping students with disabilities graduate has become a prominent national concern. Students with disabilities…

The paper summarizes efforts in California to provide handicapped secondary students with work experience education. Three types of work experience programs in California are noted (exploratory, general, and vocational work experience). Selection criteria for students include age level, full-time pupil basis, approval of parent/guardian and school…

A work experience program for secondary special education students is described and its advantages and disadvantages are considered, based on responses of program students, regular academic students, and teachers. (CL)

The Student Conservation Association has expanded its summer park service opportunities to disabled youth over 18. Students undertake a full range of duties in interpretation and visitor services; resource, recreation, forest, range, and wildlife management; trail construction and maintenance; backcountry and river patrols; and research. (CL)

The compendium describes the 48 programs currently participating in the Illinois supported employment initiative. Programs are described in terms of purpose, current focus of programmatic activity, geographic area served, type and level of handicapping conditions experienced by the individuals served, and program-developed products. An…

The article describes effects on handicapped students of Great Britain's "Technical and Vocational Education Initiative." The initiative provides vocational and general education programs (often modular) which frequently include structured work experiences and is designed to bridge the gap between school and work for 14- to 18-year-old…

The author reports on a collaborative effort among three state agencies that is currently giving 3,000 California youth who are disabled a chance to prove themselves in private sector job placements. Discusses program administration, funding, computerized recordkeeping, entrance requirements, and plans for the future. (CT)

This brief highlights the benefits of work-based learning for students with disabilities, what constitutes quality work-based learning, and selected evidence-based models of work-based learning. Benefits to students include providing them with the opportunity to identify career interests, skills, and abilities, explore career goals, develop…