After German reunification in 1990, a common, comparable school structure was successfully established. Instead of attending mostly vocational high schools, East German students now choose among three school types: a college preparatory "Gymnasium"; a technical-clerical, intermediate "Realscuhle"; and a manual-labor oriented…

The effectiveness of transition planning for individuals with mental retardation was investigated by comparing outcomes of 322 adults who graduated from high school in 1985 with 82 who graduated in 1993. The class of 1993 demonstrated better outcomes in several areas of adult adjustment. Recommendations for improvements are discussed. (Contains…

The director of a high school gifted education program discusses the transition from high school to college and reports on a survey of 97 gifted students four years after high school graduation. The survey addressed challenges and adjustments in the transition to college, whether students' high abilities were perceived as assets or liabilities,…

This article traces the history of transition programs for adolescents with disabilities and the role that transition plays within current reform efforts. Best practices are discussed and strategies for school programs are provided, including individualized planning, involvement of family and support networks, a focus on community outcomes, and…

The conceptualization of more innovative transition-intervention frameworks has become crucial for students with disabilities. A model incorporating school counselors as an additional resource in facilitating special education students' transitions to adult life is proposed. Systemic alternatives that creatively use counselor expertise within…

Three key ingredients contributed to the opening of Tigard-Tualatin (Oregon) School District's middle schools: a growing population, a new superintendent, and a committed board of education chair. Central administration can maintain an effective middle school by recognizing that young adolescents are unique, finding programs to address their…

A questionnaire completed by special school principals or teachers in four African countries (Zaire, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon) evaluated the current status of 200 school leavers with mental retardation. Results indicated that most school leavers were living and working with family members. Results suggest that effective training should take…

This article reports on part one of a three-part survey of provision for 3,084 pupils aged 14 and older in England and Wales who have profound learning difficulties. Results found the students have few opportunities to participate in community life as adults despite the overlapping legal responsibilities of multiple agencies. (Contains…

This study analyzed the impact that the use of Person Centered Planning (PCP) had with 10 transition-age students receiving special education services. Interviews with students, parents, and educators indicated that PCP training was associated with various indicators of service provision as well as higher satisfaction with the planning process.…

Suggests that mandatory placement of underprepared students in developmental courses may actually provide the key to opening the door to true academic, vocational, or community success, despite criticism by some that it excludes students and restricts their freedoms. Discusses ethical balances between access, student success and academic…

First-semester college students completed college transition courses which incorporated information on emotional, communication, and critical thinking skills. Their ability to understand, regulate, and harness emotions, and their retention rate, were higher than students completing a transition course lacking the emotional skills component. (EV)

A study examined the socioemotional experiences of adolescents with and without learning disabilities (LD) in an Israeli kibbutz environment during school transition periods. Seventh- and ninth-graders with LD received more social peer rejection and were judged by teachers to exhibit lower social skills and higher behavioral problems. (Contains…

Reports on the development and evaluation of a transitional bilingual program for grades 2 through 5. Evaluation results based on achievement of 42 students and 42 comparisons show that the program is more effective than the transition program students typically receive. Discusses implications for education of English learners. (SLD)

An escalated curriculum and higher standards are leaving some high-school students even further behind. Even with superior instruction, some students are not chronologically, developmentally, or academically ready to succeed in a particular grade. Principals must identify which students need an additional year of schooling and provide feasible…

Describes the staff development process implemented prior to opening a new middle school in eastern York, Pennsylvania. Discusses the initial dilemma, results of an early teacher survey, and the partnership with Penn State York, including the development and content of courses on middle school teaching for teachers making the transition to the new…