Transition procedures in the Irvine Unified School District (California) are explained in a set of three pamphlets. In the first pamphlet, elements of the Individual Transition Plan are outlined. Also discussed are advocacy and the law, financial issues, support services offered by state and community agencies, services of national and state…

This volume, second of two, presents results of the formative evaluation of 14 Head Start programs that received grants for the purpose of demonstrating a variety of approaches to improving transition between Head Start programs and elementary schools. The evaluation was designed to obtain data on project implementation, successes, and obstacles.…

Given that adult students need an introductory learning experience, critical features of a learning process and components of a successful curriculum are presented. Adults need an opportunity for a realistic self-appraisal of their potential as adult learners. (Author/MLW)

Describes a vocational program for special education students at Kennebunk High School in Kennebunk, Maine, that guides students from the classroom, to an in-house business, to a community-based job-learning position, and then to placement in an appropriate job. Stresses opportunities in small business and entrepreneurship as well as…

This report provides an overview of the Running Start program; data about student participation rates and academic performance; updates on savings to families, taxpayers and the state; and new information about national trends in dual-credit programs. Running Start is a program that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at…

This final report describes the activities and outcomes of Opening Doors: Decisions about Life and Work Project, a project designed to assess the effectiveness of integrating information and support on Supplemental Security Income work incentives into the transition planning process for students with disabilities. The primary goal of the project…

This discussion paper of the Youth Transition Funders Group synthesizes "the insights, inspirations and future directions" created over a five-year period "to frame policies and programs directed at our most vulnerable youth." (Contains 7 footnotes and 2 figures.)

This final report describes activities and accomplishments of a 4-year federal grant to provide statewide planning and improved educational and support services for 150 Louisiana children/youth with deafblindness. Activities and accomplishments are reported for each of six major objectives: (1) organizing project resources; (2) improving early…

This paper explains recent changes in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program that affect adolescents with disabilities or chronic health problems. Changes include the SSI work incentives available to them, how they can maintain access to quality health care and benefits during their transition years, and key issues in transition planning.…

Describes ways in which well-intentioned efforts to protect young children from inappropriate school practices have had the opposite effect. Readiness testing, retention, transition classes, tracking, and increased entrance age are discussed. Alternative strategies are proposed. (BB)

Describes design and development of work skills simulation intended to help youth acquire skills, attitudes, behaviors, and effective competencies necessary for making the transition to work. Discusses the degree to which the simulation met its objectives in recent field tests, and briefly reviews student learning outcomes. (Author/LKS)

The Community Transition Team Model guides the process of systematic program change in secondary special education and transition programs in Oregon. The model uses a management-by-objectives paradigm for implementing its principles, which include local control, a developmental perspective on change, a focus on program capacity, and networking…

This article describes LINK, a campus-based program of William Paterson College of New Jersey that bridges the interval between secondary school-leaving and full community participation for youth with mild disabilities. The paper describes student participants, undergraduate student mentors, the campus setting, program structure, student…

Illinois' academic summer enrichment program, the Principal's Scholars Program (PSP), enables minority high school students to reside at the university and prepare for the transition to college life. PSP balances academic pursuits with opportunities for personal exploration and leisure involvement. PSP's Lifestyle Enhancement Program promotes the…

Henrico County (Virginia) Public Schools' alternative programs are becoming lifelines for troubled and/or underachieving students at all grade levels. Each program is well structured; stresses high behavior, achievement, and attendance standards; and has small classes, a caring ambience, supportive parents, and clear, consistent expectations for…