The authors review several existing models of vocational assessment for the special needs learner. They argue the need to include generalizable skills assessment information in the vocational assessment process and provide suggestions for incorporating this information in the vocational assessment process for the special needs learner. (CH)

A literature review identified characteristics of transition programs that were described in 33 refereed journal articles between 1986-1999. Results confirm that students with more severe learning and behavioral difficulties receive inadequate transition services; programs emphasize employment competencies over living skills; and there are few…

Results of follow-up studies conducted on 67 high-school students with behavior disorders (BD) who graduated in 1985 and 22 graduates with BD who graduated in 1993, after passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), were compared to investigate the effects of transition requirements. The class of 1993 demonstrated better…

The effectiveness of transition planning for individuals with mental retardation was investigated by comparing outcomes of 322 adults who graduated from high school in 1985 with 82 who graduated in 1993. The class of 1993 demonstrated better outcomes in several areas of adult adjustment. Recommendations for improvements are discussed. (Contains…

The transition to adult life for students with reading and writing challenges is an area that is not often addressed. The purpose of this article is to relate the informal assessment process to the broader context of high stakes assessment, high school exit exams, diploma options, and transition planning; identify the competencies needed for a…

The purpose of Project COMPETE is to use previous research and exemplary practices to develop and validate a model and training sequence to assist retarded youth to make the transition from school to employment in the most competitive environment possible. Described in this project working paper is a system of analyzing community work environments…

Discussion of postsecondary education as an important option in transition planning for students with disabilities considers: (1) what the law requires of postsecondary education institutions; (2) the information and documentation required at the postsecondary level; and (3) preparation for the transition to postsecondary education. (Contains…

This article summarizes findings regarding the use of technology in helping students with learning disabilities succeed in postsecondary education settings. It identifies specific technology recommendations found in the literature and issues related to using these recommendations in postsecondary transition. Recommendations for transition planning…

A study investigated two cohorts ((n=16) and (n=15)) of graduates (1993-99) from a state residential school for individuals with visual impairments in the areas of employment, living arrangements and finances, postsecondary education, leisure activities, and usefulness of high school experiences. More Cohort 2 participants were working full time…

A follow-up study of 164 individuals with learning disabilities to obtain adult adjustment information found that 43% enrolled in postsecondary education/job training, few were involved in the community, 30% were in independent living, and most had good personal and social relationships. There were concerns about lack of knowledge of health…

This article addresses transition needs of individuals with learning disabilities in such areas as maintaining a home, becoming appropriately involved in the community (including recreation and leisure activities), and experiencing satisfactory personal and social relationships. It reviews research on adult adjustment, highlights existing…

This study investigated the adult adjustment of randomly selected students with learning disabilities in the classes of 1984 and 1985, 1 and 3 years after they exited Iowa high schools. A total of 939 students were interviewed 1 year out of high school, of which 784 were also interviewed 3 years out of school. Results are reported in terms of: (1)…

Project COMPETE (Community-based Model for Public School Exit and Transition to Employment) was a federally funded service demonstration project to investigate new procedures for secondary education and transition services for youth with moderate, severe, and profound mental retardation. The goal of Project COMPETE was to develop and validate a…

This article presents the career/vocational assessment process as a critical component of transition planning for students with disabilities. It provides an overview of career/vocational assessment, methods of gathering assessment information, issues to consider, people involved in the assessment process, and recommendations for career/vocational…

Project COMPETE (Community-based Model for Public School Exit and Transition to Employment) was a model demonstration project designed to develop linkages between public schools and community rehabilitation agencies, in order to provide work training to severely handicapped youth, aged 16-22. The schools took on responsibility for providing…