This paper addresses the theoretical and practical concerns of transition-related career assessment for adolescents with mild disabilities. It defines assessment terms and then discusses the applicability of prominent career theories. Primary career assessment areas that support the preparation of adolescents with mild disabilities are identified.…

Discussion of school-to-work (STW) transitions for youth with mild disabilities first summarizes current research and models of practice on STW transition in special education, then identifies implicit yet infrequently named theories in research and practice, makes connections to STW theories outside special education, and suggests how emerging…

The average weekly earnings of nonmetro wage and salary workers continued to rise through 2001, although the pace has ebbed slightly since 2000. Earnings have grown steadily among all major demographic groups, although less educated workers experienced smaller gains than college graduates. Gains for less-educated workers suggest that welfare…

Reviews the growth of flexible employment, the United Kingdom youth labor market, and student employment. Reports on a survey of the retail grocery sector indicating that student labor enables the use of flexible work practices. Highlights the different employment opportunities available to students who are working while in school and school…

Focus groups (n=57) and surveys (n=665) of students with disabilities and faculty suggested that students must learn self- advocacy and educators must apply principles of Universal Design for Learning. Educators must assist students in developing self-determination skills to ensure access to courses and transition to postsecondary education or…

The dual-credit course option, in which classes are held at a nearby university or community college, is an exceptional marriage between secondary schools, community colleges, and some universities. Describes four types of dual-credit options between Olney Central College, Illinois, and participating high schools. (MLF)

This article provides historical background on school-to-work (STW) activities, especially for students with hearing impairments. It describes laws shaping requirements for STW programs and research supporting STW components. Recommendations for curricular elements of an STW program are offered and future trends in STW are forecast. (Contains…

Examines the role of school counselors and school counseling programs in preparing students for learning and work transitions. Offers advice for students to respond effectively to changing workplace needs and information on work skills that are required for graduates and job applicants. Addresses strategies in developing comprehensive career…

The Transition Service Integration Model integrates resources of public schools, rehabilitation, and developmental disability systems. School and private non-profit agencies work together to develop employment and inclusive community activities during the student's last school year. Rehabilitation and developmental disability systems then work…

Analysis of data on 3,182 Swedish students compared those in workplace training arranged by their school with those trained in jobs acquired on their own (market governed). Girls had more of both types, especially school arranged. Those with market-governed training were three times more likely to avoid unemployment and had more positive attitudes…

The Dalton Plan, developed by Helen Parkhurst in the 1920s, completely restructured the secondary school day into subject labs, with students determining their daily schedules. Eschewing the usual bell-driven, factory worker model, this approach abolished traditional classrooms and homework and allowed students to select monthly contracts and…

Three Maine studies examined the school-to-work transition of special needs students, focusing on (1) transition-related programs, policies, and practices in Maine secondary schools; (2) educator attitudes toward and opinions about transition services; and (3) employment outcomes of special education high school graduates. (SV)

A planning procedure was developed to increase opportunities for secondary special education students to be referred to and receive appropriate community services after graduation. The procedure requires interagency cooperation and focuses on vocational placement, postsecondary education, living arrangements, mobility, and financial planning.…

The struggle to hold together a nation founded by both the French and the English continues, although international competition demands of Canada a more productive economy and workforce. The result may be a more coherent educational system. This article focuses on two trends influencing education policy: minority language rights and student…

The problems of Individual Education Plan (IEP) utilization with handicapped students are analyzed and compared to the developing use of Individual Transition Plans (ITP). Considered are issues of accountability, relevance, quality, feasibility, and preparedness. (DB)