This article provides an outline and critical review of assessment, an evaluation of learning outcomes, in vocational education and training (VET) in Finland. Assessment of VET is formative, development-orientated and criteria-based. There are no national tests and information from vocational skills demonstrations is used instead. Assessment…

The article proposes an individual vocational assessment battery to be used with secondary-level handicapped students in areas of cognitive/learning, physical/health, social/emotional, vocational interest/aptitude, and neuropsychological areas, which can be given in the students' home school for planning appropriate vocational training programs.…

Improvements in vocational education for the disabled since the Perkins Act include provision of supplemental services, vocational evaluation/assessment, and inservice training. Currently, problems remain in providing services to rural students, locating matching funds, implementing the least restrictive environment requirement, and training the…

Answers are provided to commonly asked questions about secondary special education programs. Topics covered include components of comprehensive vocational programs, job placement techniques, agencies involved, and difficulties frequently faced in the transition phase. (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)

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…

The article considers the importance of vocational evaluation for individuals with learning disabilities, notes a legislative mandate for vocational evaluation, defines it in the context of special education, describes specific evaluation tools such as performance tests and work samples, and identifies seven vocational evaluation outcomes for…

The Skills Assessment Module (SAM) is designed to assess special needs students' affective, cognitive, and manipulative strengths and weaknesses in relation to vocational skills required in various training programs within a school system. Initial sections outline procedures and techniques (including paper-pencil tests, hands-on skill modules and…

Highlights three advantages of the multiple-baseline design for evaluating work performance in vocational training programs: (1) allowing the trainer to determine the success of a vocational program without withdrawing training; (2) ruling out effects of history; and (3) providing a versatile evaluation procedure. (BH)

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)

The Psychovocational model, which features a multidisciplinary team approach to composite, ecological testing in planning appropriate career/vocational goals for handicapped students, is described. The model incorporates reevaluation of each teenaged handicapped student in five areas: (1) intelligence, (2) achievement, (3) social-emotional…

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.…

Describes how the integration of vocational assessment data into special education triennial reevaluations can facilitate educational programing of intermediate and secondary level handicapped students. Advantages of integrated assessments, roles of school psychologists, and the description of a model assessment program are included. (Author)

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)