These 4 case studies examine the last years of high school and postschool experiences of 4 21-year-olds labeled mentally retarded. Issues discussed include school compliance with legislation concerning Individualized Education Programs, influence of parental involvement, adult services, and necessary employment supports. (JDD)

A training model is described that promotes collaboration between neonatal intensive care unit professionals and early intervention staff regarding the care of premature infants. The goal is to train service providers to implement a seamless system of family-centered interventions and to transition from inpatient to community services. (Author/SW)

Describes implementation of a whole-language approach in a middle school that has a majority of students for whom English is a second language. The transitional English program for sixth graders used high-interest, high-action novels in combination with a writing program and portfolios. (SLD)

Describes a transitional program that empowers special education students to make informed decisions about their vocational preferences and skills relative to the local job market. Focuses on self-directed assessment, job placement, development of self-management skills, long-term followup, and career development. Stresses the importance of…

Describes an interdisciplinary transition model currently used in rural Wisconsin for special needs students that links vocational assessment, Individualized Education Plan development, program placement, instructional support, exit transition conferences, and postschool followup. Stresses collaboration among students, parents, educators, and…

This qualitative study used in-depth interviews with parents of 15 students with cognitive disabilities regarding their transition from school to adult life. Results indicate that parents have a vision for their child's future and measure the quality of school services and transitional services by how their child is succeeding in realizing that…

Examined the effects of parent involvement on child adaptation and growth of autonomy during a home-school transitional year. Found that parent involvement had significant potential for change in children who struggled with problems of attachment and other issues of adaptation, and enhanced the quality of the nursery school experience for the…

This overview describes the prevalence and etiology of the population of children who are deaf blind; considers service delivery and resource systems currently in place; and discusses current and future issues including provision of transition services, lack of qualified teachers, and lack of related and support services. New initiatives are…

This article examines psychosocial needs of learning-disabled individuals making transitions from secondary to postsecondary education and ways in which service providers can address these needs. A transition project at the University of Minnesota is described, and techniques such as individual and group counseling, disability awareness training,…

The postgraduation outcomes of 298 special education graduates with specific learning disabilities or mental disabilities were analyzed. Outcome measures analyzed were current employment environment, employment outcomes, work-related benefits, primary reported source of income, and living arrangement. (Author/BRM)

Examines pre-first-grade programs in three New England school districts to determine why so many children cannot meet regular classroom demands. Extrayear programs are a quick fix allowing schools and communities to retain policies that permit children to be labeled, tracked, and retained. There is no substitute for a well-designed,…

The article reveals philosophical, social, and practical difficulties with ongoing governmental policy in vocational education, focusing on the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994, which is designed to construct a national transition system administered at state and local levels. Alternative approaches are suggested. (SM)

This paper uses a case study of a 16-year-old girl with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to present information on the demographics of head injury, neuropathology, recovery patterns, acute rehabilitation, educationally significant effects, behavioral sequelae, the school as a vehicle for rehabilitation, a transition model, school reentry, and…

A pilot project provided a summer transitional experience from high school or two-year college into a comprehensive higher education institution to enhance the quality and increase the numbers of minorities attracted to teacher education programs. Project results were very positive. All enrolled students completed the program. (SM)

Discusses strategies that support student self-determination in transition planning, including: holding high expectations for students, preparing students for transition meetings, allowing students to make important decisions, encouraging students to attend transition fairs, and providing opportunities for students to explore their communities and…