This article provides a model that school social workers can use to prepare elementary school children for the return of classmates whose appearances have been significantly altered as a result of illness or injury (e.g., loss of limbs, severe scarring), for whom return to school is often difficult. School social workers can be instrumental in…

The authors draw on some powerful practitioner research they have been associated with recently to envision ways in which a national curriculum might redress the inequities experienced by Australia's most disadvantaged young people.

This exploratory study focused on the inter-collaboration activities among 112 elementary, middle, and high school counselors that facilitate students' transitions. Results indicated significant differences in several of the current collaboration activities of the varying levels of school counselors; however, there were no differences found in the…

Over the past decade, a wave of education reform has swept the nation. Yet the general public remains largely unaware of it, even though the reforms are arguably among the most successful public policy initiatives of the past quarter century. One reform that has the potential to leave its mark for many years is the P-16 initiative. This article…

As more and more children are being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome (AS), more parents are wondering what the future will be like for their child. Because of the challenges faced by youth with AS, it is important for parents and teachers to work together to guide high school students with AS through a successful transition to the adult world.…

Student mobility is a common phenomenon that disproportionately affects students in high-poverty schools. Research shows that students who move repeatedly are likely to fall behind in reading and other academic areas. This article reviews proactive strategies that high-poverty districts and schools are using to reduce the harmful effects of…

Self-contained classrooms and resource rooms have been an important component of the continuum of placements available to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. However, these specialized classrooms have been closing in recent years. A variety of factors are contributing to this, most notably the impact of cochlear implants. This article…

The impact of family mobility from domestic or international moves can be challenging for families. Some families adjust and other families experience crisis. For some families, relocation may be due to a job promotion and transfer, while for other families moving may be due to divorce, loss of employment or other stressful circumstances.…

Common Time (CT) was a structured programme designed to enhance the social and academic engagement of a growingly diverse student body on a new campus that draws its population from a low-socioeconomic area. As a voluntary and non-remedial programme, it incorporated a range of formal and informal activities and processes to engage students. CT…

The Assistant Secretary for the office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) reviews her office's priority for improving school-to-work transition for students with disabilities. She describes a model that views transition with no special services, time-limited services, or ongoing services. (CL)

The Assistant Secretary for the office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) reviews her office's priority for improving school-to-work transition for students with disabilities. She describes a model that views transition with no special services, time-limited services, or ongoing services. (CL)

A vocational transition model for disabled youth focuses on three stages: (1) school instruction (functional curriculum, community-based education), (2) planning for the transition process (involving parents and adult service representatives), and (3) placement into meaningful employment. (CL)

The essay critically examines the transition model proposed by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services and summarizes a recent study of secondary special education, focusing upon needed improvement. Recommendations are offered for modifying the basic model of transition, and for improving high school programs as foundations of…

Traditionally, students with significant disabilities, such as autism, mental retardation, or multiple disabilities, receive transition services in a public high school setting until they are 21 or 22 years old. While this is an appropriate setting for students with these disabilities during ages 14-18, it may be neither an appropriate nor…

This paper describes a model for assessing transition skills of special needs students in an employment situation. The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensured that students with special needs would participate in the development of a transition plan by the age of 14. The requirement to include transition…