A study investigated support provided to target employees who have been competitively employed. Ten supervisors in businesses employing individuals with handicaps were interviewed. Supervisors' roles included hiring, modifying the job, providing training, assisting co-workers in providing employee support, evaluating employees, and providing…

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)

Discusses the role of teachers in providing vocational assessment to disabled students. Steps in this process include (1) establish planning team and conduct information search, (2) define purpose, (3) establish basic considerations, (4) formulate assessment model, (5) establish implementation focus, and (6) pilot test and evaluate assessment…

The transitional assessment model described here contains the following characteristics: vocational orientation, comprehensive approach, individualized focus, contemporary design, and informal instrumentation. The screening, placement/planning, and monitoring/evaluation services vary in degree depending on the severity of the student's disability.…

Concerns about situational assessment--proper setting and inappropriate use with severely disabled persons--prompted the following changes in its use in vocational rehabilitation: (1) recognition of differences between sheltered and actual work settings; (2) questioning of vocational assessment measures; and (3) focus on a person-centered…

The authors review John Holland's theory that career choice reflects individual personality and behavioral styles, as well as related research findings with nonhandicapped populations. They discuss implications of the theory's appropriateness for the handicapped. (SK)

The authors describe the assumptions and characteristics of the Curriculum-Based Vocational Assessment approach in meeting the challenges contained in the Perkins Act's assessment mandate. They present a definition and characteristics of this approach. Such issues as personnel, cost considerations, and adaptability are considered, and…

Scottsdale (Arizona) Unified School System's Vocational/Career Assessment Program encompasses work evaluation, career/self-awareness, occupational exploration, and career guidance to assist counselors, teachers, parents, and students in the student's decision-making and career planning processes. (SK)

Educational records of 127 secondary students with disabilities were reviewed to assess impact of vocational assessment information in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) development process. Results focus on the impact of information on the number of IEP vocational goals and objectives written, kinds of IEP items written, and number of IEP goals…

The purpose of this study was to field test and estimate the validity and reliability of a set of generalizable interpersonal skills assessment strategies and procedures on handicapped children in secondary vocational programs. If the instruments and procedures are valid and reliable, they could be used to identify their generalizable…

Reviews trends in vocational student assessment, suggests modifications to assist assessment of limited English speakers (multiple techniques and tools, translated instruments, shadowing), and presents specific modifications for the cloze test, rating scales, observation sheets, interviews, portfolios, and projects. (SK)

Significant changes in special needs provision in the Perkins Act have differing interpretations. At the heart of service delivery are two mandated assurances: vocational assessment and supplemental services. (SK)

Describes the Practical Arts Evaluation System (PAES), a curriculum-based vocational assessment program for students with special needs at the middle school/junior high school level. Provides a rationale for curriculum-based assessment and occupational exploration at this level and describes benefits of the program. (Author/JOW)

Describes a study conducted to identify entry-level job competencies common to a range of entry-level jobs in competitive employment settings, and to design and test the feasibility of a Worker Competency Report form as an alternate or in addition to standard job application forms. (CT)

Describes Georgia's Career Development Centers, model programs of support services to enable learning disabled students to enter postsecondary vocational programs successfully. Components include vocational evaluation, disability specialists, modified curriculum, counseling, and remedial instruction. (SK)