Describes four effective and efficient person-centered assessment and planning tools to assist individuals with special needs in identifying skills, abilities, interests, and future plans. Discusses ways to use these tools for assessment, planning, and achievement of transition and rehabilitation goals. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/JOW)

A 1989 Carnegie Corporation report called for major reforms in early adolescent education and sharply criticized the middle school concept. To compound the social displacement problem, middle schools are often created to satisfy budgetary requirements and shifting enrollment trends, not to meet children's needs. Moving fifth graders is ill…

The article recommends involvement of more community resources in transitional programing for students with disabilities. In-depth analysis of what is expected from a job should be used in transitional programing. Employers also need to be encouraged to hire workers identified as having a special need. (DB)

A survey of 32 displaced agricultural workers and 19 prospective employers identified the education and training perceived necessary by both groups to gain employment in desired occupations. Results indicate that educational efforts should teach problem-solving and decision-making skills as well as technical skills. (CH)

The article examines the need to integrate transition planning for children with disabilities throughout the early childhood years, the roles of all members of the early intervention team (parents and professionals) in early transitions, and the effects of parents becoming active participants in early intervention. (Author/DB)

Examined effects of using peer helpers to ease students in their transition to an overseas school and their functioning in that environment. Participants were 84 high school students enrolled at the American Community Schools of Athens, Greece. Results indicated some positive changes, suggesting that students can benefit from peer interaction and…

A new position always requires an adjustment period. No matter how much assistance staff members provide to the new principal, it helps to have a guide book that includes budget information, memos, charts, descriptions, staff information, grade-reporting procedures, data-processing calendars, disciplinary procedures, and any other information…

Studied whether adolescents viewed transition to junior high school as stressful or desirable, whether teacher-student teams in junior high affected transition, and whether perceptions affected school adjustment or vice versa. Found that transition was viewed as more desirable than stressful. Results suggest that educators identify adolescents…

Nine model transition programs for students with learning disabilities were reviewed. Seven exemplary program components emerged: individualized planning and coordination; vocational preparation; academic remediation and support; academic, vocational, and social-personal counseling; support systems and services; job seeking and placement; and…

Reports results of a Minnesota field-based study indicating that prerelease/transition programming and support must begin upon entry, continue during incarceration, and continue after release. Lists 10 areas of focus for effective programs and includes an annotated bibliography of 12 manuals and resources for transition programs. (JOW)

Educators at a West Hartford, Connecticut, middle school continually "sell" this large school to the community, enlighten parents about its programs and practices, and welcome more than 300 fifth graders from 5 diverse neighborhood schools yearly. The transition program begins in March and progresses through eight months of activities,…

A Missouri middle school's transition program is based on the idea that parents need as much information as possible about the high school and middle school to ensure student success. The middle school transition is aided by school/PTA newsletters, social and informational activities for fifth graders' parents, student visits, and a handbook.…

Motivated by peer pressure and the principle of least effort, middle schoolers often make poor choices--not to work, listen, or hand in assignments--that can lead to failure or underachievement. To avoid "social promotion," a Colorado middle school has initiated transition classes that give students a second chance to learn last…

Provides a comprehensive view of California's school-to-work transition programs as they have evolved and grown. Discusses next steps including interagency collaboration, joint planning, and professional training. (JOW)

The transition programs of 326 secondary educational programs for deaf and severely hearing-impaired adolescents were surveyed. Results suggested that residential schools had higher implementation rates (for desirable transition characteristics) than did mainstream and other programs. All groups valued the identified transition practices more than…