In recent years, policymakers have begun to emphasize the goal that all students graduate from high school college- and career-ready (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, National Conference of State Legislatures, National Association of State Boards of Education, & Council of Chief State School Officers, 2008). Research…

Nearly every high-priority item in national, federal, state, and local discussions about education--and policy proposals across the political spectrum--requires high-quality longitudinal data to inform its design, implementation, and evaluation. This factsheet shares Data Quality Campaign's (DQC's) analysis of what "Data for Action 2011:…

The article describes critical components of a transition planning system for students with severe handicaps, including coordinating transition planning on a local level, developing transition plans, preparing parents for transition planning, and coordination with adult service agencies. (CL)

Summarized in this report are the views of 14 labor officials interviewed in the spring of 1991 regarding their attitudes toward the youth apprenticeship approach, which has been gaining support in educational and legislative sectors. Their views are expressed around the following seven themes organized as sections of the report: (1) six major…

The Hollywood High School mentoring program was developed as part of its career academy to serve students coming home to empty houses. The program provides each qualified student with a caring adult from the community, introduces students to the workplace, and provides cultural and educational activities. Most students surveyed improved their work…

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…

The paper discusses recommendations for a statewide (California) plan to provide transitional services to severely handicapped high school students. Initial sections trace the state and federal commitment to transitional services for work and other aspects of life. Thirteen model programs in California and eight in other states are summarized. A…

This article addresses assessment in transition services for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. The legislative foundation, purposes, and uses of transition assessment in the middle and high school years are discussed in relation to transition planning. Competencies needed by…

Native American youth have a rich cultural heritage and traditions, but they also face such challenges as cultural alienation, geographic isolation, and unemployment. Schools must integrate these strengths and problems to provide an education that prepares Native American youth for success in careers and in life. School-to-work provides an…

This guide explains the concept of marketing tech prep and provides marketing principles and strategies to promote tech prep programs. The guide covers the following topics: (1) why it is necessary to market tech prep; (2) what a comprehensive tech prep marketing plan should include; (3) targeting the benefits message; (4) marketing tech prep to…

Critical elements and best practices in school-to-work transition programs for disabled youth are identified. Noted are local factors, individual student choice, shared resources, vocational rehabilitation counselors in the schools, and school-business linkages. Best practices include individualized transition planning, community-based…

Examined the implementation of nine pilot school-to-work high schools, highlighting planning models, curricular changes, and effects of program implementation on principals' roles. Surveys and interviews with principals and site coordinators indicated that changes in curricula were visible and heavily encouraged by respondents. Without their…

An evaluation of Oregon's professional technical education and work force programs was conducted through examination of handbooks for high school and community colleges, secondary education enrollment reports, state employment division documents, Workforce 2000 applications, and interim and final reports on professional technical education and…

Many students in today's high schools choose courses and work experiences in an unplanned, aimless manner that often results in limited career options and undeveloped potential. Innovative educators across the nation have responded by restructuring schools around career pathways, which are integrated, multiyear sequences of career guidance,…

School-based enterprise (SBE) can be defined as any school-sponsored activity that engages a group of students in producing goods or services for sale to or use by people other than the students involved. The advantages of SBEs include the following: deeper understanding of academic subject matter through application in a practical context,…