A study investigated relationships between transition program characteristics and positive post-school outcomes by examining the transition services database compiled over seven years from all 67 Florida school districts and the Florida Educational and Training Placement Information Program. No positive relationship emerged between transition…

Eight successful secondary special education school programs in Nebraska were visited in 1983, 1988, and 1996. Findings indicate an increased consideration being given to transition, including more training in the community, emphasis on the role of work, linkages with adult agencies, and the use of job coaches and school rehabilitation counselors.…

This article traces the history of transition programs for adolescents with disabilities and the role that transition plays within current reform efforts. Best practices are discussed and strategies for school programs are provided, including individualized planning, involvement of family and support networks, a focus on community outcomes, and…

The report presents detailed descriptions of 12 exemplary secondary vocational education programs for students with special needs. Programs were selected by a panel of experts from 250 nominated projects and programs, of whom 96 completed a lengthy questionnaire. Site visits were made to each of the 12 finalists. Criteria for selection included…

The report presents detailed descriptions of 10 secondary vocational education programs selected as exemplifying creative approaches to serving the needs of students with special needs. Programs were selected by a panel of experts from among 250 nominees, of whom 96 completed a lengthy questionnaire. Site visits were made to each program. Criteria…

This handbook provides guidance to schools operating Community-based Vocational Education (CBVE) programs for students with disabilities and encourages the adoption of CBVE programs by schools not presently using this approach. By following the information and examples contained in this handbook, schools can proceed with confidence to operate…

This issue brief discusses the benefits of mentoring for youth with disabilities and strategies for encouraging mentoring. It begins by discussing research that has demonstrated the effectiveness of mentoring and different types of mentoring, including a new model of electronic mentoring that is increasing in popularity. A chart shows how…

A study involving two vocational-technical high schools, four high schools, and an alternative program for middle and high school students, investigated factors affecting implementation and sustainability of self-determination activities within the schools. The importance of engaging general educators in dialogue about the self-determination…

This document provides guidelines for designing, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of a district-specific career education program for special education students. Part I lists 10 activities to design, implement, and evaluate a cost-effective career education program. Examples are included of the outcome of each activity. Activities…

This article describes a system of supports for implementing the "Steps to Self-Determination" curriculum and discusses findings from studies on the curriculum. Findings indicate teachers who are self-determined are better able to promote student self-determination and self-determination knowledge and skills can be infused successfully in a…

This bulletin discusses transition programs for youth with disabilities. It outlines features of effective transition programs that have proved to be successful including longitudinal planning, emphasis on careers (not labels), work-based learning, connection to community resources, and sustained involvement of employers. A set of strategies is…

This fact sheet summarizes promising secondary education practices that special educators can employ to help improve the post-school outcomes of students with exceptional learning needs. These practices are organized into the following five categories: student-focused planning, student development, interagency collaboration, family involvement,…

This program guide examines a comprehensive occupational preparation program for the handicapped that is fiscally responsible, in concert with current practice, and has practical application possibilities. Section 1 is a position statement for the guide. Section 2 is a diagram showing program goals and objectives. The purpose of section 3 is to…

This article looks at the history of special education in Mexico, discusses the emergence of special education programs, and examines a school for special education in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. The school provides vocational training for students with a variety of disabilities and has a partnership with the local maquiladora industry. (Contains 5…

The Research Institute on Secondary Education Reform for Youth with Disabilities (RISER) has identified Schools of Authentic and Inclusive Learning (SAIL) to explore whether and how secondary students with disabilities are included in secondary education reform. In this brief, the literature describing the intersection of reform, inclusion, and…