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)

This article describes a collaborative project of New Mexico's State Vocational Education Division, Department of Special Education, and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the University of New Mexico to develop a transition to work process for students with disabilities at three rural sites. The article describes administrative support,…

This study identified potential measures for evaluating 17 multiple outcomes and 51 activities associated with programs designed to promote employment of youths with disabilities. The qualitative and quantitative measures identified were compiled from responses of 30 employment-focused project directors. A table lists all outcomes and indicators.…

A survey of 85 parents of offspring (ages 14-25) with handicaps examined parental involvement in programs facilitating transition from school to adult life. The survey found that a significant number of parents were unaware of any transition program for their offspring, although virtually all parents desired involvement of some kind. (Author/JDD)

Details relationships among the Perkins Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Presents issues for vocational education, transitional services, and access. Outlines a bill of rights for youth with special needs. (SK)

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…

Encourages parents and educators to apply political pressure through advocacy to make policymakers aware of special education issues concerning the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Discusses the importance of being familiar with current law, knowing how to obtain services, and being an advocate on a global level. Reminds individuals…

A study that investigated perceptions of 31 kindergarten teachers found there were statistically significant differences between teachers' views of the desirability of implementing practices to enhance the outcomes of children with disabilities as they transition to kindergarten and the feasibility of such implementation. Portfolios were viewed as…

To address disabled students' troubling outcomes, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services identified school-to-work transition as a major priority. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandates that transition services be part of secondary students' IEPs. Principals' and parents'…

Parents of 37 special education seniors at 6 Arkansas high schools evaluated school-based transition services for students with disabilities. Sixty percent of parents were satisfied with the schools' efforts to prepare students for adult roles, although they felt that schools placed more emphasis on vocational, social, and domestic areas than on…

This study assessed the services provided to students with disabilities in 30 postsecondary education institutions across New York State. Results indicated that while respondents urged high schools to encourage college-bound students to advocate for themselves, the most frequent types of service provided by colleges did not promote autonomy.…

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,…

This article comments on a study that found teachers believed that both inclusive education and community-based instruction were effective in preparing students with disabilities for adulthood. It argues that secondary students should be members of age-appropriate high school classes and receive educational and community-based services during…

Summarizes a dissertation that compares the transition outcomes of special needs students in Georgetown, South Carolina, with findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study. Both studies found that special needs students were generally unemployed and underemployed and experienced socialization problems after high school, with greater…

Comparison of a survey of 39 regular secondary educators to similar data previously collected from special educators indicated that, while most educators had received some inservice training on transition, there were a number of competency areas in which the majority of regular educators received no training. Regular and special educators…