This qualitative study utilized narrative case study research to investigate teachers', paraprofessionals', and administrators' perceptions of the effectiveness of community-based programs (CBP) on the transition to employment for students with an intellectual disability. This study also evaluated activities teachers, and paraprofessionals use in…

Funded through the New York City Young Men's Initiative (YMI), the Cornerstone Mentoring Program is designed to support youth in key life and educational transitions as they progress into middle and high school, through the development of relationships with positive and caring adults. Launched in 2012, the mentoring program is implemented in…

The Learning Partnership (TLP) initiated a Family and Community Engagement Strategy (FACES) initiative in three Ontario communities to foster active and responsive relationships among community partners and enhanced family engagement in transitions to school. A case study research design, grounded in participatory action research, was used to…

This report describes efforts to provide seamless transitions from early to elementary education. Specifically, it details SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids), a five-year initiative funded by the Kellogg Foundation, which has contributed a unique, community-based perspective to the national conversation on what it takes to…

The amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) in 2004 reiterate the significance of producing real postsecondary education, employment, and independent living outcomes. However, current employment data continue to show widespread unemployment and very limited access to inclusive community environments and…

This article synthesizes descriptions of and recommendations for community transition teams which assist in the transition of youth with learning or other disabilities from school to adult life. The levels, composition, and functions of transition teams are described. Community-level transition teams are shown to be critical support vehicles for…

This report describes a special, 1-year federally funded project of the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma City Public schools, which operated to facilitate the transition of neglected or delinquent youths from state operated institutions to locally operated educational programs. The problems specific to youths in transition…

Representatives from 34 local interagency coordinating councils were interviewed about interagency agreements for the legally required transition from the infant/toddler to preschool service delivery system at age 3. Results indicated that most communities included the majority of legal transition requirements in their agreements. Policy issues…

This report presents recommendations that address needed changes and improvements in state policies, administrative practices, and school and community service programs, in relation to school-to-adult-life transition of young people with disabilities in Minnesota. Recommendations were derived from two sources: (1) reviews of state plans and…

This paper discusses the issues surrounding the transition from home or preschool to elementary school for children from low-income families, and examines the future direction of transition programs to help alleviate many of the difficulties that these families face. Noting that there are two venues for reform action, the curriculum and the family…

Rural communities have strengths and weaknesses that affect the development of transitional programs for students with disabilities. These community characteristics were factored into a federally funded, graduate-level training program called Project CREST (Collaboration in Rural Education for Special Teachers), which provided training stipends…

This newsletter issue describes the Community Based Inservice Model (CBIM) of the Teaching Research Infant and Child Center (Oregon). This project provides training to personnel who serve secondary age students with moderate to severe disabilities. The project's has been funded by the Federal Government and is based on the philosophy of teaching…

This study examined the feasibility of establishing a Centre on Disabilities in Regina, Saskatchewan, as a cooperative effort of the city and the University of Regina. The Centre would provide professional continuing education; conduct research on disabilities issues, including policy development; and work with communities throughout Saskatchewan…

Developed by a think tank that included parents, board members, teachers, and administrators, this agenda is intended to generate discussion and promote consensus building on how best to meet the needs of Indiana students with and without disabilities. It provides an overview of the context for change in special education service delivery,…

State Compensatory Education (SCE) is a supplemental program in Texas designed to eliminate disparities in (a) student performance on assessment instruments administered under chapter 39 of the Texas Education Code (1995), and (b) the rates of high school completion between students who are at risk of dropping out of school, as defined by Texas…