Presents data from an experimental and demonstration project designed to facilitate the transition of emotionally disturbed and mentally retarded adolescents from institutions to a community setting. Depicts the technique, called Transitional Program Analysis, in one hypothetical and two case studies and discusses implications for its use. (GC)

Description of, and guidelines for, a preventative early intervention program designed to provide a strong academic, social, and emotional foundation for postkindergarten students considered to be at risk for future academic difficulties. (Author/DCS)

This Brief summarizes a report prepared to assist the U.S. Department of Education's College and Career Transitions Initiative (CCTI). The report presents a sample of state-level policies and legislation that support the implementation of career pathways and other strategies that facilitate educational and employment transitions. Data gathering…

This paper examines ways to measure the effectiveness of McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Programs. It is the result of a work group that developed standards and indicators of quality, that identified data-collection tools and strategies to determine the extent to which the programs are meeting the standards and indicators, and that created…

"Work incentives" encourage and support individuals with disabilities in their efforts to seek employment and have been formalized in federal legislation and regulations, including the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA). In October 2000, Utah received a 4-year federal grant to change the state's systems of work…

Stages in transfering mentally retarded students in England from special schools to mainstream classes are described: discussion with class teachers, criterion-referenced and normative evaluation, mainstream school selection, liaison teacher visit, discussion with parents, use of mainstream school's materials at the special school, part-time and…

Describes four effective and efficient person-centered assessment and planning tools to assist individuals with special needs in identifying skills, abilities, interests, and future plans. Discusses ways to use these tools for assessment, planning, and achievement of transition and rehabilitation goals. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/JOW)

Educators at a West Hartford, Connecticut, middle school continually "sell" this large school to the community, enlighten parents about its programs and practices, and welcome more than 300 fifth graders from 5 diverse neighborhood schools yearly. The transition program begins in March and progresses through eight months of activities,…

A Missouri middle school's transition program is based on the idea that parents need as much information as possible about the high school and middle school to ensure student success. The middle school transition is aided by school/PTA newsletters, social and informational activities for fifth graders' parents, student visits, and a handbook.…

Motivated by peer pressure and the principle of least effort, middle schoolers often make poor choices--not to work, listen, or hand in assignments--that can lead to failure or underachievement. To avoid "social promotion," a Colorado middle school has initiated transition classes that give students a second chance to learn last…

Minnie Howard School, just outside Washington, D.C., caters exclusively to 14-year olds. Started seven years ago to relieve enrollment pressures, the school protects its 747 9th graders from typical high-school pressures and has reduced suspension and truancy, enrolled more kids in honors classes, and enticed privately educated students back to…

Describes a comprehensive summer program for freshmen at a large research university. Freshmen enroll in common courses, are housed together, attend workshops on using university resources, and receive the assistance of an upper-division mentor. Evaluation suggests that freshmen who participate in transitional programs are significantly more…

Describes a technique that was used successfully to identify the changing roles and responsibilities of special educators as transition coordinators. The Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) model uses people who are currently working in the occupation to define job responsibilities. The duties of a transition coordinator are identified. (CR)

Describes strategies to smooth students' transition to middle school, listing programs and activities prior to the school year, during the summer, and during the school year. Considers adolescents' changing developmental needs. (JPB)

Summarizes features of the 1994 School-to-Work Opportunities Act, describes what states and localities are doing to include youth with disabilities in school-to-work initiatives, and offers recommendations to special educators, rehabilitation professionals, students with disabilities, and parents for increasing the participation of youth with…