This digest identifies seven essential elements of effective programs for students in alternative programs because they have dropped out, are at risk for dropping out, or have behavior disorders that require special education outside the general education setting. Such alternative programs offer flexible curricula that can address the unique…

An analysis of perceptions of parents and teachers who participated in the preparation of 21 individualized transition plans (ITP) indicates that while students had limited participation in their own ITP, parents were pleased with the ITP process. Parents, however, reported having little knowledge of community options or potential employer's…

The Future-Based Assessment/Intervention Transition Model is an individualized approach to educational planning for students with disabilities. The model involves developing a plan around short-term and long-term goals that will prepare students to meet demands in school and in future adult environments. (JDD)

Information recorded on Transition Planning Guides was compared with the perceptions of 22 students with learning disabilities and their parents regarding postsecondary goals and anticipated support needs. Findings indicate little relationship between the postsecondary outcomes and support needs recorded and those expressed by students and parents…

The mandated transition content of Individualized Educational Programs for 68 Arkansas high school students with disabilities was rated using a checklist of outcomes and life skills. Many plans were unclear regarding residential, postsecondary education, and employment goals, and important skill areas were overlooked. The checklist is presented…

This guide addresses provision for transition services in the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) of students with disabilities. It begins with regulations arising from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act pertaining to transition services. These regulations focus on definitions, participants in meetings, parent participation,…

The Secondary Education Transition Model project at Colorado State University-Fort Collins represents a local and state commitment to serve students with severe handicaps who are moving into community work and living roles. These comprehensive transition services begin at the secondary education level and extend into the adult service system. The…

Eleven papers address issues in the alignment of standards-based education and individualized transition planning and service development for students with disabilities including differences in assumptions and principles, the transition planning model as a framework for achieving this alignment, and educational practices resulting from this…

This technical assistance bulletin explains extended school year (ESY) services for students with disabilities. It begins by discussing federal regulations that require schools to ensure that ESY services are available as necessary to provide free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities, that require ESY services to be provided…

This guide is intended to help Ohio educators and parents involved in the transition of students with disabilities into the work place and community. It begins with some questions which may help to determine the student's own desires in the areas of employment, living skills, and community. Next, suggestions are provided to help the transition…

During an 8-month practicum, 41 mildly disabled high school students; their teachers, parents, and counselors; and community business representatives cooperated in defining individual school-to-work transition goals in educational, occupational/career, and social/personal areas. The major aim was to realistically and adequately prepare these…

This pilot study examined the career self-efficacy of 75 college students (40 with disabilities and 35 without disabilities) using the Career Decision Making Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (CDMSE-SF) and semi-structured interviews. Career self-efficacy was defined as the belief that an individual can accomplish his/her career goals. Results…

Part of a series on the transition of students with disabilities from school to adult roles, this guide focuses on the transition to postsecondary education. It presents a model, the Opportunities in Postsecondary Education through Networking (OPEN) model, to assist students, parents, and school personnel in the decision-making, planning, and…

This brief for parents discusses the transition of students with disabilities from the structured environment of school to the post-school world and transition requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997. It begins by explaining the importance of transition planning and decision-making and the need for…

This manual, accompanied by a 22-minute videotape recording, provides information for constructing an Individualized Transition Plan as a component of Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings for secondary students with disabilities. The video, based on an actual IEP meeting with a student and his parents, illustrates a meeting that focuses…