Vocational assessment is critical to the success of programs for handicapped students. Several types of vocational assessment activities which can be used are summarized in tables: cumulative data review, interviewing, psychometrics, work samples, production work, simulated job stations, and on-the-job assessment. (CL)

Involvement of students and adult employees into the decisions that affect their education and employment can improve their transition into supported employment. One means for increasing involvement into these decisions is to gain their input into performance evaluations and support needs. The "Job Observation and Behavior Scale: Opportunity for…

Techniques to assess complex features of employment include situational assessment, observational assessment (participant observation, naturalistic observation), and quantification of behaviors. Such data provide a basis for comparing disabled and nondisabled workers, help prioritize instructional objectives, and direct placement decisions. (CL)

The article presents a three-level model for the vocational assessment of handicapped students based on guidelines developed by the Texas Education Agency. The model outlines philosophy, goals, time lines, and roles and responsibilities of administrators, counselors, and teachers. (CL)

Two Massachusetts projects are addressing the need for improved career/vocational evaluation of special needs students in middle/junior high schools. Data are derived from actual instructional experience and represent actual vocational knowledge, skills, attitudes, and interests, as well as specific subskills contributing to vocational…

The paper sets forth the position of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Career Development regarding career/vocational assessment. The statement addresses the definitions, purpose, goals, methods, and personnel involved. (CL)

Research has suggested that career maturity, measured by students' readiness to make sound educational and occupational choices, is deficient in learning disabled students. The Career Development Inventory focuses on five dimensions: career planning, career exploration, decision making, world-of-work information, and knowledge of preferred…

The article discusses existing models of vocational assessment of disabled students in school settings, specifically the vocational evaluation center model, the curriculum-based model of vocational assessment, and the comprehensive model of vocational assessment. (CL)

The format of a model vocational evaluation report for special education students is described in terms of components: student information and data, test results, and recommendations. Adaptation of the model for word processing has increased report writing efficiency. (CL)

This general position statement of the Interdisciplinary Council on Vocational Evaluation/Assessment lists organizations comprising the national coalition, the coalition's goals and objectives, its guiding principles, and recommended competencies of individuals providing vocational evaluation/assessment services. (DB)

The study examined differences between successfully employed young adult disabled workers (N=40) and their employers concerning learning, work habits, and independence behaviors in the work place. Results indicated overall employee/employer agreement in successful settings with no significant differences across exceptionalities. (DB)

The study examined work and work-related social behaviors of moderately and mildly mentally retarded workers as well as those of nondisabled workers. Nondisabled workers tended to exhibit greater amounts of time on task, more solitary work behavior, more movement while working, more giving and receiving of mutual assistance, and more talking while…

A process to translate results of vocational assessment of learning disabled and behavior-disordered students into individualized education program objectives is described. The process addresses three concerns: (1) appropriate vocational assessment for all; (2) adequate use of assessment results; and (3) inclusion of transition objectives and…

Outlines the history of vocational evaluation and assessment, career assessment, and transition assessment; discusses the relationship among these three areas; and provides recommendations in the area of transition assessment, including the need to start the assessment process at an earlier age and to emphasize performance in the community. (CR)

This position statement lists Council member organizations and the Council's goals, objectives, and guiding principles. The statement notes that the Council promotes advocacy, professional standards, communication, leadership, and policy development in vocational assessment and evaluation. It urges that all individuals providing vocational…