The author is a former United States Secretary of Labor who developed the Workforce 2000 project. He discusses the need for implementing this project's recommendations and reviews these recommendations. In addition, he expresses his frustration at the slow pace of change within the federal government. (CH)

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.…

Issues related to technological literacy that warrant investigation by vocational education researchers are presented. The lack of agreement regarding what constitutes technological literacy is discussed, along with several assumptions about technology. General questions for investigation are presented for consideration. (Author)

Describes a project undertaken at New Mexico State University in which students set up and operated their own ad agencies. (FL)

Asserts that a liberal education and supervised work experience are important to the flexibility needed in the modern workplace. Encourages equitable access to education and employment for all groups. (CH)

The PROGRESS (Providing Realistic Opportunities for Gainful Rehabilitative Employment Success in Society) model for school-to-work transition of moderately and severely mentally retarded youth ties on-the-job training to job placement, establishes curriculum goals based on the job, and uses fading procedures as students become more competent in…

Options for disabled school leavers in the United Kingdom are considered, incuding the Youth Training Scheme, a one-year vocational skill training course, and day centers for those individuals unable to find work. (CL)

The number of college graduates has increased considerably since 1960. However, the number of jobs requiring highly educated workers has not grown to the same extent. Thus, young, well-educated college graduates frequently replace older, less educated workers. The author challenges society to make more efficient use of its educational resources.…

Provides background on the job club process and how it can be used for integrated training of special needs and regular education students in need of job search assistance. Includes field test project information. (JOW)

Parents of high school students with severe disabilities throughout Oregon were asked to predict their child's service needs at graduation, and 5 and 10 years after graduation. They also ranked features of adult service programs that they desire for their children and identified the source of their information about post-school opportunities and…

Identifies some cooperative education activities promoting more effective learning and the enhancement of excellence in vocational education. Discusses the interdependence of education and work, promoting private sector initiatives programs, and special student populations. (CT)

Three programs that have been successful in facilitating the reenrollment of students from exiting juvenile detention facilities are described: the Lake County, IL, Youth Advocate Liaison Program; the Lake County, Florida, Multiagency/Special Education Program; and the Rock Island, Illinois, Coalition High School Model. (CL)

Data from followup of 65 school leavers who had attended schools or units for the mildly mentally handicapped are cited to illustrate the lack of options to young people leaving special education. Experiences with work introduction courses and the Youth Opportunities Programme are considered. (CL)

The employment status of 117 transition age young adults with moderate, severe, or profound mental retardation was assessed. Findings indicated high unemployment rates of almost 88 percent, with only 14 persons holding competitive jobs in nonsheltered work environments. Wage accumulation was very limited. (Author/CL)

Describes a course in which technical writing students write letters to themselves stating goals they want to accomplish within the next 10 years, which the teacher promises not to read and to mail to them in exactly 10 years. Discusses purposes and actual results of assignment. (EL)