This paper provides a definition of assessment that is tailored to the unique considerations of the concept and practice of the transition of students with disabilities from school to adult life. Assessment in transition is considered to be the on-going process of obtaining and properly using both person and environment-based assessment…

Services of two school districts to exceptional students in transition are reviewed. The Great Falls (Montana) model involves a five-year individualized education program, maximum integration, and three phases of paid employment. The Natrona County (Wyoming) program is based on such crucial services as vocational evaluation, community living…

Project COED (Career Opportunities through Education for Persons with Disabilities) was developed to: (1) provide career instruction for adults who are functionally mentally retarded, through job training opportunities in food services, clerical/office work, or housekeeping/janitorial work; (2) increase levels of clients' financial independence;…

This manual is designed to help educators who serve students with learning handicaps to provide transition assistance for their students graduating or leaving the school system. Definitions and procedures adopted by the state of California are used as the basis for the manual. The manual describes the role of special education, the role of parents…

The Business and Education Transition Alliance (BETA) is a model school-to-work transition program that was developed to facilitate the school-to-work transition of at-risk youth in the Boulder Valley School District in Colorado. Among the BETA program's specific goals are the following: increase students' knowledge/understanding of demands of the…

This model is an updated version of the California Agency-Based Vocational Assessment Model Draft developed in 1986. The first section of the manual summarizes the background of career assessment, defines the process, and provides a rationale for it. The second section analyzes critical issues in assessment. The assessment model and its stages…

This handbook is designed to help counselors take leadership in providing comprehensive career development activities for students in grades 9-12. The guidelines are intended as a tool for counselors to use in working with their colleagues to develop realistic and workable counseling and placement program strategies. A five-phase schema is…

This issue discusses the many facets of vocational assessment in the development of transition plans and services. "Vocational Assessment: The Kick-Off Point for Successful Transitions" (Pamela J. Leconte, Debra A. Neubert) presents an overview of why assessment is important and how it connects school to work. "Professionals in…

This practicum developed a comprehensive Individual Transition Plan (ITP) model for five high school students with learning disabilities, in which social skills, advocacy, communication skills, career evaluation, and postsecondary concerns were explored through the collaborative efforts of school personnel, community members, outside agencies, the…

Vocational staff from 10 Pennsylvania vocational schools were given information and instructional materials to enable them to create effective programs for disadvantaged populations. A needs assessment was conducted to identify specific needs of the participating vocational staff pertaining to programming for disadvantaged students. After…

This manual contains basic information to guide vocational counselors for special populations as they work with students enrolled in vocational programs at the secondary and postsecondary levels. It begins with a brief overview of the role of the vocational counselor for special populations. The survey, the responses to which formed the basis of…

A National conference was held to examine State policies and practices for helping disabled youth make the school-to-work transition more successfully. The focus of the first day of the conference was on transitional programs currently in existence in Maryland, Michigan, and New York. The first part of the second day's activities involved the…