Involvement of students with mild mental retardation (MMR) in the transition planning process was evaluated through interviews with 44 secondary teachers of students with MMR. The interviews focused on behaviors of the teacher and Individualized Education Program (IEP) team members before and during the transition planning meeting as well as…

This handbook presents materials for 10 DESK (Developing English Skills and Knowledge) workshops designed to assist students with deafness or hearing impairments make a smooth transition from high school to postsecondary institutions by enhancing their English writing skills. The workshops address: (1) demystifying college by allowing students to…

This study examined the historic and current contexts regarding student participation in higher education as a step toward developing policy recommendations for improving the percentage of Alaskans going to college. There appears to be a mismatch between the workforce needs of the state and the availability of qualified Alaskans for those jobs. As…

This state improvement plan outlines goals and objectives for improving special education services to students with disabilities in Wisconsin. The first goal (students with disabilities will demonstrate skills which will engage them to become independent, productive, and included citizens in society) contains objectives that address graduation…

This paper discusses the results of a study that investigated the effectiveness of the Vermont Best Practices for Educating Students with Serious Emotional Disturbances in Their Local Public Schools and Communities project. The purpose of the project was to use best practices in the development of programs and services for students with serious…

Most students pass through five major transitions from one level of schooling to another. This book-for principals, teachers, and counselors-focuses on the transition from middle school to high school. The book is grounded in Queen's Twelve Factors for Successful Student Transitions, a research-based set of findings and guidelines. Each factor is…

Noting that the transition to school often sets the tone for the childs future school experiences, this toolbox identifies 33 proven practices currently used by schools districts and early childhood programs throughout Vermont to help children make a successful adjustment to school. Beginning with a list of guiding concepts on transition and…

This newsletter issue reviews the research and literature on issues and best practices in programs to facilitate the transition of students with disabilities to adult life. First, the definition of transition services under the 1997 Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is presented and explained. Next, a…

Targeted at special education teachers/special population instructors, work experience coordinators, vocational assessment personnel, and guidance counselors, this guide examines the relationships among career development, transition, and self-determination for students with disabilities. The guide uses a question-and-answer format to identify and…

This report presents an analysis of research on the state of transition, post-secondary education, and employment outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities over the past 25 years. It identifies what has worked in the areas of transition planning, services, and supports. It also considers what should work in light of unmet needs and…

In the past decade, disappointing national outcomes have been reported regarding the transition of youth with disabilities to community and work environments. The transition outlook is even more dismal for rural youth with disabilities, in light of geographic barriers to special education service delivery, lack of jobs in rural areas, and rural…

This final report discusses the outcomes of Project STEPS (Sequenced Transition to Education in the Public Schools), an outreach project designed to provide training and technical assistance to states and territories in the development of a statewide transition system for children with disabilities, birth through 5 years of age. The focus of the…

A survey of 201 transition professionals identified the following research priorities: teacher training for transition; facilitation of student self-determination; transition plans, goals and objectives, and linkage activities; functional assessment; inclusion of students with disabilities in vocational education; and models of K-12 career…

This article describes an integrated services transition model for individuals with disabilities that promotes self-determination with three phases: (1) assessment; (2) planning; and (3) strategy implementation. Self-determination opportunities in transitioning from school to adult life are identified. The article emphasizes the importance of an…

Draws on findings from case studies and interviews with children, parents, and early childhood educators to highlight several issues relevant to children's transition to school within the context of Australia's Starting School Research Project. Illustrates the cultural diversity of school children and the initiatives that respond to particular…