This issue brief discusses the benefits of mentoring for youth with disabilities and strategies for encouraging mentoring. It begins by discussing research that has demonstrated the effectiveness of mentoring and different types of mentoring, including a new model of electronic mentoring that is increasing in popularity. A chart shows how…

There is recent, widespread activity in Australian education and training sectors to improve the transition of young people from initial education to further education and training and employment. Many jurisdictions have conducted high-level reviews of the institutional arrangements underpinning the transition process. The focus has been mainly on…

The effects of various college preparation programs, class ranking, and student background characteristics on college retention were studied. The data were obtained from the National Education Longitudinal Study:1988-2000 and NELS:88/2000 Postsecondary Education Transcript Study. The sample contained 4,445 first-time freshmen students who enrolled…

Some intervention programs have responded to the magnitude of the difficulties that career transitions present for adults. This digest examines one program which aims to improve the career adaptability of adults seeking employment. The interventional procedures outlined here are intended to accelerate vocational development by helping people…

This paper summarizes current knowledge on the transition to adulthood of youth with serious emotional disturbance in terms of epidemiology, effective interventions, and program models. The first section is introductory and provides definitions and characteristics of transitional youth noting special developmental tasks, outcomes for young adults,…

The Maryland Case Study is one of six comprehensive state case studies of the transition of students from high school to college being conducted as part of "The Bridge Project: Strengthening K-16 Transition Policies." The Maryland components of the Bridge Project focuses on undergraduate admission and placement policies and procedures at…

This presentation summarizes findings from a Maryland case study of policies and practices affecting the transition of students from high school to college. A particular focus is the role of a formal, high-profile statewide K-16 structure, the Maryland K-16 Partnership for Teaching and Learning, in promoting policies and practices that help…

This curriculum kit contains a teacher manual, five student workbooks, a program guide, informational brochures, and a videotape recording, designed to teach high school students with and without disabilities how to begin planning for their lives after they leave school. NEXT S.T.E.P. (Student Transition and Educational Planning) is intended to…

The National Transition Demonstration Study was conducted to provide information about the implementation and impact of a federally funded program to enhance early public school transition of former Head Start children and their families by extending Head Start-like supports through the first 4 years of elementary school. The study design involved…

This directory lists materials and products useful in the professional development of teachers and other providers of transitional services to young people with disabilities. Materials and products were identified through requests to state and local educators, state systems, change and model demonstration transition projects, regional resource…

This paper highlights research into the positive possibilities for children in school and life when they have access to high-quality care and education before entering public school. Three key components of early care and education are discussed in the paper. The first, quality in early care and education, addresses: (1) What is high quality and…

Noting that understanding the process of transition, identifying the appropriate tools, and developing strategies are key elements to facilitate smooth transitions through early childhood, this booklet is designed to assist educators in this transition process. The booklet discusses how transitions to new programs create both challenges and new…

This document is the participant's manual for a 3-day training conference for professionals involved in transition and the independent living movement for individuals with disabilities. Preliminary information includes the conference agenda, background information on the trainers and the sponsoring organizations, and the learning objectives of the…

This brief discusses the confusion some young children feel in moving from one activity to another (e.g., bus to classroom, cubbies to book reading, art time to lunch) that often results in frustration and challenging behaviors. The paper provides practical information on a variety of strategies to help preschool children make smooth, independent…

Noting the importance of young children's school readiness, the Danish Ministry of Education initiated transition activities to help preschoolers make a successful transition to kindergarten. This study examined Danish teachers' understanding of and attitudes toward transition activities. The study's questionnaire listed 32 typical transition…