This article on transition for students with learning disabilities (LD) reviews the transition concept from a life-span perspective and considers transition planning, including the role of the planning team, the importance of timing, and forces influencing transition programs. It then provides background information, themes, and highlights for…

An interactive transition plan is a document that a student with disabilities makes with the assistance of friends, family members, or school personnel. This plan helps the student communicate relevant information to the general-education teacher. Sharing plans with receiving teachers can be rewarding and insightful. (MLH)

Strategies to improve transition planning include the following: (1) assess students' transition goals using life-skills assessments related to career education; (2) incorporate students' and parents' perspectives using future-based assessment and planning; and (3) specify interventions for achieving outcomes. (Contains 24 references.) (JOW)

The North Carolina Transition Services Survey, designed to evaluate the impact of federally-funded transition systems change grant, was completed by 76 of 116 school systems. Analysis evaluated relationships between types of transition services, implementation strategies, and delivery of best practices. Systems that focused on implementing…

Evaluated the Integrated Bridging Programme (IBP) of the University of Adelaide, South Australia, which offers international postgraduates the opportunity to develop languages and skills for successful acculturation. Responses of all IBP participants for 2 years and of supervising staff show the importance of recognizing that it is not only the…

The Prospects Programme assisted British military personnel in the transition to civilian life. The lifelong learning program included identification of transferable skills for new employment directions, accreditation of prior learning, resume and interview training, and 11-week work placements. (SK)

Explores traditional migratory and family characteristics of Hmong culture and one elementary school's university collaborative program to attract Hmong students. Describes the magnet school program, extended day programs, and second language acquisition program to ease the transition to school. Notes that several unique features of the…

A model program in rural Pennsylvania designed to improve inclusion and transition for students with disabilities required considerable administrative and instructional support and major changes in philosophy and curriculum. Features include school-to- work coordinator, learning facilitator for special needs students, joint Individualized…

Describes characteristics of multiple sclerosis and the implications of its manifestations for postsecondary education. Provides a checklist for students selecting a postsecondary institution regarding general considerations, academic accommodations, support and services, and self-assessment. (SK)

Principal describes experience in establishing and operating the Minne Howard School, a separate school for ninth-grade students in Alexandria, Virginia. Describes keys to success: Create a teacher advisor component, eliminate inschool suspension, teach five classes, and institute a school support team. (PKP)

Three public school administrators (a superintendent, a middle school principal, and a central-office administrator) discuss why educators and parents should continue to support the middle-school grade configuration. (PKP)

Outlines effective transition strategies used in rural settings that enhance student participation and community participation. Discusses the problems faced by rural states related to participation of students in transition activities and overcoming community barriers to student involvement. (Author/JOW)

An evaluation effort that used goal attainment scaling to examine a program designed to promote student involvement in transition activities among secondary students with disabilities. The method was user friendly and consistent with self-determination and resulted in meaningful feedback. Limitations included timing difficulties and lack of buy-in…

This discussion of the impact of culture and cultural differences on school and work and the importance of enhancing multicultural awareness also reports on a study that evaluated the experience of 22 Navajo Native Americans high school graduates in transition. Findings stress the importance of students' significant relationships, limited…

Longitudinally examined the effects of two linked at-risk programs (a middle school dropout prevention program and a high school transition program), focusing on attendance, promotion/retention, courses passed, discipline referrals, suspensions, sequence of services, the effects of passage of time following the intervention, and dropping out.…