Recent emphases on school readiness and standardized testing have resulted in educational practices with negative consequences for children. These practices include a higher school entry age, grade retention, transition programs, and the practice of enrolling children in kindergarten when they are six, rather than five, years old. (BC)

The Transitional School System is proposed as a network of neighborhood-based and controlled schools that would help welfare recipients by offering academic and professional training, crisis intervention, and family counseling. (SK)

Explains antecedents, program variations, and rationale for developing single-sex schools for African-American males and females. Such schools share various values and features based on the importance of gender differences. Most programs offer appropriate same-sex role models, help with transition to adulthood, cultural inoculation, strengthened…

This article presents a conceptual model for analyzing the process of implementing policies for school-to-work transition of individuals with disabilities. The model identifies explicit and implicit directives, describes policies and practices, contrasts practices with policy directives, assesses quality of local implementation, and identifies…

This article describes a University of Hartford (Connecticut) program in which largely minority-group Hartford city high school graduates are enrolled at reduced tuition. Unique situations for learning are highlighted, including those encountered in residence halls, on campus, in class, in faculty and administrative offices, and in program…

A case study illustrates the transition process of a girl with learning disabilities over a three-year period, describing experiences in graduating from high school and proceeding to community college. Specific transition objectives, personalized counseling, and individual accommodations are discussed, with secondary and postsecondary examples.…

This article presents a comprehensive model for assessment of secondary students with disabilities. The model is intended to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which requires identifying transition needs of students in their individualized education programs. The model assists in structuring an outcome-oriented transition…

Nine commonly occurring activities were identified in mainstreamed kindergarten and first grade classrooms, the necessary skills for participation were analyzed, and a curriculum was developed. Evaluation of the curriculum showed that 15 handicapped preschool children learned the necessary skills, even when the instructions, environment, and task…

Critical elements and best practices in school-to-work transition programs for disabled youth are identified. Noted are local factors, individual student choice, shared resources, vocational rehabilitation counselors in the schools, and school-business linkages. Best practices include individualized transition planning, community-based…

Describes an experimental rehabilitation program for drug addict prisoners which is based on Winnicott's propositions on "object relationships" and was carried out in a hostel in Israel. The program applies a variety of therapeutic modalities, from education to individual, group to family therapy, and evaluates and screens potential…

A study investigated the process and outcomes associated with research-to-practice strategies in three schools during a three and a half-year project. The interrelated phases of the process were the establishment of an empirical foundation, the design and implementation of school-based interventions, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the…

Case studies of young women with learning disabilities showed they increased practical living skills at a day center but had little autonomy in long-term life decisions and little opportunity for productive activity and social interaction. Low expectations of others and the segregated day center program hampered their ability to reach adult status…

A study that explored 12 high school students' participation in transition-related activities indicated teachers, students, and mothers did not perceive formal transition-related processes as occurring at school or home. Teachers and mothers agreed that better communication was needed as well as administrative support to implement an effective…

Discusses the need for careful consideration of family and cultural factors in transition planning. Issues explored include degree of independence for the adolescent desired by the family, rules of acceptance, needs for information, changes in family routines, and family and child life experiences. (Author/CR)

Case studies of 6 students with moderate/severe mental retardation investigated the impact of the federal transition mandate on student outcomes. Data revealed that high school programs have become more community-based, employment oriented, and age-appropriate with an increased emphasis on establishing linkages with adult service providers.…