This interim report summarizes the first-year findings and activities for the Adult Outcome Component of the Texas Effectiveness Study, implemented during the 1996-97 school year. The Adult Outcome component is one of three components of the Texas Effectiveness Study that will provide information about the outcomes of special education in Texas.…

A rehabilitation teacher at the Kansas State School for the Blind describes her job. Her main responsibilities are to teach a transition class to older high school students and to be at the local community college to assist students to be successful in that setting. Students are taught cooking, cleaning skills, and skills for independent apartment…

This article integrates literature from counseling, rehabilitation, multicultural education, and special education to explain the importance of life-span considerations, including the preschool and early school years, and the life-space factors of family, culture, and community. Principles for transition interventions which promote empowerment are…

This position paper of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities urges comprehensive transition planning for students with learning disabilities, especially as applied to their progression from secondary to postsecondary education. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of the student, parent, secondary school personnel, and…

Examined postsecondary school services for students with learning disabilities (LD). Nine postsecondary school counselors in Georgia were interviewed using an open-ended, semistructured guide. Interviews were analyzed for themes and categories. Each school offered LD services and accommodations. Delivery systems varied in scope. Provides…

Transitioning from high school to the adult world is a complicated process for adolescents with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires transition services for students with disabilities. This article describes those services and how to customize these services to support the needs of…

At Queensland University of Technology (QUT, Australia), in the Bachelor of Education (BEd) (Early Childhood) (EC), Technical and Further Education (TAFE) students with a diploma enroll with advanced standing (1 year's credit). These students share many challenges faced by 1st-year university students--workload, technology, academic orientation,…

Over the last several years there have been numerous calls for reforming high school to college transitions. In 2000-2001, the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF) and the National Commission on the High School Senior Year respectively called for a re-thinking of how students moved from secondary to postsecondary education. A widely-discussed…

This issue of "Impact" focuses on employment and women with disabilities. An editorial introduction notes that work is important to women with disabilities for numerous reasons. Among them are feeling successful and important, earning money, being independent, having a reason to get up in the morning, making a meaningful difference in the lives of…

A team of representatives of Virginia state agencies involved in career preparation and employment examined the development and establishment of school-to-work transition (SWT) programs in Virginia. The team conducted a literature review and analyzed 42 selected state programs. The 16 school-based programs primarily provided classroom instruction…

This issue presents nine articles which address identifying, pursuing, and obtaining postsecondary training and employment by youth with disabilities. It discusses how families and professionals can help young people develop important self-determination and self-advocacy skills. It also introduces adult service systems to aid in obtaining…

This report describes a pilot program of the New South Wales (Australia) Department of Education to develop community transition teams as part of an effort to provide transition education to people with disabilities. The project is based on a model developed in Oregon and stresses assisting each community to work cooperatively to assess local…

This hearing, held in conjunction with the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, examined: (1) rehabilitation services for traditionally underserved groups, particularly persons from the Native American population and Hispanic communities; (2) issues concerning transition from school to work, community job development, and the impact…

Adolescence is a time for dreaming for youth to imagine and set a course for the future. High school students naturally spend time imagining the future if and where to continue their education, to find a job or pursue a career, to move away from home, or to start a family. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) includes a process…

A study was conducted by the General Accounting Office (GAO) to review U.S. education and training strategies; identify likely weaknesses; and examine the strategies of England, the Federal Republic of Germany, Japan, and Sweden for preparing noncollege youth for employment. GAO reviewed the literature, consulted with experts, and visited the…