The article describes a process for use in high-school transition programs to promote student independence within the context of vocational training. Strategies described include: evaluating student independence in community-based settings, teaching student adaptability, and transferring control of student independence to work-related stimuli. A…

Describes the objectives, development, program, and supporting laboratories of a preparatory year workshop program (PWP) at King Fahd University. Lists five PWP topics with historical brief descriptions. (YP)

Elementary-school students with hearing impairments need preparation for transition to junior high school, where students receive less individual support from teachers and must accept more responsibility. Such preparation should focus on keeping up with the class, following a personal class schedule, accepting responsibility, keeping track of…

National survey data were gathered from 1,450 school districts to determine the extent to which vocational and transition-oriented services were available to secondary-age special education students. Examined were types of disabilities served, number of students, local education agency service configurations, school resources, and external…

The article defines the term, "transition," discusses the types of transitions that occur during early childhood special education, explores the rationale for studying and planning such transitions, and identifies transition issues and procedures. Tables offer data on critical events in rearing a handicapped family member, commercially available…

This case study of one resource program describes structures and techniques used in the regular classroom, playground, lunchroom, and resource room to help in mainstreaming handicapped students. In four years this program saw a 42 percent reduction in students classified as handicapped, although school enrollment grew by almost 38 percent.…

The article examines communication training for handicapped students making the transition from school to adult life in terms of the need for communication training, principles of assessment, and the communication specialist as consultant. (DB)

Seven pitfalls of transition planning for students with disabilities are identified: (1) planning at an inappropriate level; (2) confusing means with ends; (3) failing to involve all relevant educational partners; (4) selecting programs before identifying goals; (5) failing to consider future community realities; (6) being unaware of the process…

A transitional counseling program was developed at Laval University in Canada to facilitate the interaction of young persons according to four central "person-environment" modes, taking into account the fit between the Holland vocational type and the occupational environment type. The Adult Career Concerns Inventory was used to compare…

A Tacoma, Washington, high school eases middle schoolers' transition to high school via the "Freshman Getaway," a 12-hour event in July that combines a traditional high school orientation with food, fun, entertainment, and some bonding and school-culture transmission. Each year, this event meets educators' goals by promoting respect for…

The Manhattan Transition Center provides supported employment for youth with mild to severe disabilities. Local enclave worksites staffed by teacher/paraprofessional teams place participants in jobs. Under the zero-reject policy, employers and service providers are responsible for participants' personal and work-related growth. (SK)

In 1992, a multiagency model of transition planning was developed and implemented to meet the identified needs of Michigan students who are deaf-blind. This article outlines the project's activities, accomplishments, challenges, and goals for the future. (Author/DB)

A template-matching strategy was successfully used to facilitate transition between preschool and kindergarten for preschoolers with disabilities. Differences between instructional environments in sending and receiving classes were identified, and an intervention was implemented in the preschool to more closely align preschool and kindergarten…

Looks at federal legislation and other initiatives that have affected the evolution of transition services to individuals with disabilities moving from school to postschool activities. Discusses areas in which reforms are needed: promoting self-determination, reducing competition between increased graduation requirements and functional education,…

Student involvement criteria in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) should be interpreted within the movement toward self-determination for students with disabilities. The IDEA student involvement requirements have implications for the educational programs of youth with disabilities. (Author/JOW)