An analysis of transition plans for 84 students (ages 14-21) with severe disabilities was conducted across 24 school divisions in Virginia. Results found 35% were present at their individualized education program (IEP) meetings, 15% participated in their transition plan development, and none were employed outside of the school. (Author/CR)

Provides IRORs (internal rates of return) to investment in higher education by race and sex, using data from the 1985 wave of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Black males obtain a rate of return somewhat below other subgroups. Females tend to have a larger return to an investment in education than their male counterparts. (63 references) (MLH)

Considerable growth in continuing training in France is due to government and employer policies. People entering training on their own initiative are a declining minority. Obstacles to lifelong education include changing work conditions, training supply, and weakening links between training and career progress or stable employment. (SK)

Examines higher education's costs and economic benefits, as perceived by final-form secondary students in Cyprus. Investigates the main influences on students' expected lifetime earnings. The findings support human capital theory. College-bound students expected their lifetime earnings to increase considerably. In comparison, labor market entrants…

Synthesis of cooperative education research from the United States and Canada since the 1970s suggests the need to standardize the data gathering process so that data can be gathered and compared across studies. (JOW)

Charles Benson's 1992 (posthumous) essay presents a vision of a "new vocationalism" that integrates academic and occupational curricula, combines classroom instruction with work-based learning, and connects secondary with postsecondary education. It explains the rationale, summarizes existing evidence, analyzes obstacles, and discusses…

A former special education teacher reflects on the discovery and acceptance of the benefits of education and training in helping people with disabilities become valuable societal resources. Early evidence of the benefits of transition programs, legislative efforts supporting vocational training for students with disabilities, and the development…

Details the history of the transition movement and the participation of students with disabilities in transition planning. Reviews legislative changes that emphasize self-determination and explains the link between self-determination and students' mental health. Also identifies characteristics of schools that promote self-determination for all…

Argues that all employees in today's global economy are facing educational challenges. Suggests that educational systems must adapt to economic conditions and that employers/companies must be educators. Claims that innovation, team work, and efficiency are required to meet this challenge. (CAJ)

Salaries and appropriateness of jobs found by graduates of a Swiss university of applied science were analyzed. Grades and majors did not influence salaries, but the labor market favored part-time study. A majority felt their jobs were appropriate to their education. Graduate follow-up provides important data on the success of the new universities…

Discusses transition of students with learning disabilities from high school to work or postsecondary education. Includes information about students with learning disabilities who are not bound for the professions. Includes a glossary of terms. (JOW)

New understandings about learning and a vision of vocational education as lifelong planning and learning to work with others and be productive converge to suggest that vocational education will be a central force in this century. Vocational programs will continue to stress personal and cognitive development, connections between practical and…

A literature review identified characteristics of transition programs that were described in 33 refereed journal articles between 1986-1999. Results confirm that students with more severe learning and behavioral difficulties receive inadequate transition services; programs emphasize employment competencies over living skills; and there are few…

Discusses generally positive findings of research studies of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 related to academic achievement, career preparation, youth development, teachers' views, and employers' views. (Contains 52 references.) (PKP)

A study examined 104 graduates of a manufacturing-focused school-to-career (STC) program and a comparison group (n=104) to detect similarities and differences in their post-high school lives. STC students are more likely to work in and have career goals related to their STC sponsor and have higher postsecondary enrollment rates. (Contains 30…