Juvenile crime and recidivism continue to be significant, costly issues in American society. Employment contributes to successful reentry and lower recidivism. However, low self concept and problems with exploring careers and identifying options may interfere with juvenile offenders' abilities to plan for employment and successfully carry out…

Youths with disabilities are at risk of failing to complete high school and face considerable uncertainty as they attempt to transition toward a productive adulthood. One potential tool to help more of these youths to stay in school and provide them with information as to suitable post-school careers is the use of vocational assessments. This…

Career assessment and planning services that enable students with disabilities to make successful transitions from higher education to careers are an important component often missing in the postsecondary educational experience. Comprehensive services in this regard involve students in considering how to incorporate their preferences, assets, and…

Offers justification for school psychologist's involvement in vocational assessment process and suggests use of the vocational instrument Self-Directed Search (SDS). Argues use of SDS can provide school psychologists with psychometrically sound and time- and cost-efficient means of incorporating vocational component. Discusses integration of SDS…

Examined validity of self-estimates of ability on a vocational interest measure (Self-Directed Search). Correlated self-ratings of 149 female undergraduates with well-validated measures of abilities corresponding to each of Holland's six interest domains. Found higher correlations between self-ratings of abilities and objective measures than for…

Vocational assessment instruments currently in use are often threatening or frustrating to older adults. Instruments that account for the physical, emotional, and occupational needs of this population are necessary. (CH)

A model using career interest test results and career specific information to formulate vocational recommendations was tested on four head trauma patients who had been involved in car or motorcycle accidents at least 2 years before. As part of a psychological evaluation, patients completed the Self Directed Search (SDS), the Adjective Checklist…

An investigation explored the use of Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS) by 185 readers and 152 non-readers (ages 14-21) with learning disabilities or mild mental retardation. The SDS was reliable for both readers and non-readers, able to validly measure preferences, and sensitive to preferences with respect to disability group membership.…

Finds that Holland's Self-Directed Search--Form E was a feasible method of vocational assessment for 25 rural, learning disabled, secondary students when individual assistance was provided on request. Presents scores on six occupational environments and corresponding personality types, and relationships to students' reading level and measured…

In this guide, transition is defined as the period of time when adolescents are moving into adulthood. This guide is designed to (a) help youth and the adults who work with them understand the role of assessment in transition and (b) describe ways to collect and use data that will lead to informed choices based on accurate assessment of each…