Looks at the major issues for the 1995 reauthorization of vocational education legislation as they relate to special populations. Includes discussion and recommendations for each issue. (JOW)

Discusses the value of vocational education for students with special needs. Cites benefits identified by the National Longitudinal Transition Study of Special Education Students. (JOW)

Effective business-education partnerships can have the following benefits for special populations: additional resources in resource-poor areas, employment opportunities, increased personal attention, improved facilities, and better teacher morale. Partnerships should complement, not replace, existing educational programs. (SK)

Chronicles the evolution of the vocational special needs field over two decades, including legislation and language used in it, emergence of the National Association for Vocational Education Special Needs Populations, leadership, and shifting emphasis from mainstreaming to inclusion. (SK)

Addresses the need for exemplary program information and provides examples of practices that have worked in outstanding programs. Describes the mechanics of the Technical Assistance for Special Populations Program's exemplary program search and outlines components that researchers identified as characteristic of exemplary programs. (Author/JOW)

A Wisconsin study analyzed the extent to which assessments are used to accommodate key assurances prescribed by the Perkins Act. A multistep tech prep assessment model was developed to promote access for special populations by incorporating formal and curriculum-based vocational assessment procedures. (JOW)

The majority of responses from 168 of 250 secondary trade and industrial teachers were favorable on 6 of 30 items related to inclusion of special populations, unfavorable on 11, and undecided on 13. Age and years of teaching experience were not related to attitudes. (SK)

An increasingly diverse work force includes people with special learning needs. When addressing diversity issues, employers should consider accommodations for this population. Special needs educators should broaden their perspectives on training diverse learners for the workplace. (SK)

Discusses development, training, and coordination practices for teams consisting of vocational counselors, vocational teachers, and special needs support services providers. Presents eight models for integrating postsecondary academic and vocational programs. (JOW)

Describes local efforts to meet the needs of rural students with special needs in terms of employment. Looks at opportunities for vocational special needs education in the context of an entrepreneurial model of service delivery that makes schools employment incubators. (Author/JOW)

Vocational student organization activities can provide an opportunity for special needs students to develop positive feelings about themselves and to develop problem-solving skills, communication skills, leadership skills, and occupational skills. Planning between chapter advisors and support personnel can identify strategies that will result in…

Provides information to those initiating a vocational transitional program as well as those wanting to improve existing programs. Profiles a northern Illinois special education cooperative that has provided transition assistance for several years. (JOW)

Suggests a team approach for effectively and efficiently providing services for postsecondary students with disabilities. Reviews various teaming concepts and presents a framework for a postsecondary disability problem-solving team. (Author/JOW)

Educators (n=236) were surveyed concerning their perceptions of vocational teachers' confidence and effectiveness in working with students with special learning needs. Respondents felt that teachers had adequate levels of confidence and did an adequate job and that inservice education wold be helpful. (Contains 27 references.) (JOW)

Many changes are taking place in our country. Technology continues to impact on the workplace, demographics are changing the face of our neighborhoods, communities, and work environments. Globalization is placing greater demands on the economy and on workers. Educators and employers must face the challenge of how to prepare learners for new roles…