Research seeks to determine key elements in sustainability of projects to reorient an aspect of their service to an early intervention approach in mental health. Findings confirm literature on capacity building which suggests several crucial predictors of success in changing the ways agencies run. These include the development of interagency…

Eight successful secondary special education school programs in Nebraska were visited in 1983, 1988, and 1996. Findings indicate an increased consideration being given to transition, including more training in the community, emphasis on the role of work, linkages with adult agencies, and the use of job coaches and school rehabilitation counselors.…

A case study of a large urban school district analyzed partnerships that brought together career-centered high school reforms. The initiative regularly convened partners and generated important conversations about educational options. Environmental conditions limited change efforts, including tensions between the school system and employment…

The article discusses the cooperative relationship between the Council of Agency Administrators, which comprises 17 not-for-profit New York State agencies, and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. The role of each organization is examined and hopes for future collaborative efforts are outlined. (Author/JDD)

Steps in developing a workplace literacy partnership include (1) creating community awareness; (2) developing organizational readiness; (3) analyzing organizational needs, climate, and resources; (4) negotiating program content, structure, participation, and schedule; (5) setting goals and objectives and planning instruction; and (6) implementing…

The seminar examined integration of blind children into regular primary schools in Argentina through defining the functions of the "integrating teacher" and the classroom teacher, specifying components of educational planning for the integrated blind child, and evaluating the importance of inter-institutional actions on integration. (DB)

To attack their community's homeless student problem, the Houston Board of Education last February opened a "lighted schoolhouse" as a temporary shelter. Houston's superintendent, Joan Raymond, is convinced that more school districts will need to provide residential care. The 20 children using the shelter were turned over to Children's…

The survey of 107 researchers, program developers, and state directors of special education attempted to identify research questions generally agreed upon as important. Questions concerning social skills and families were most highly rated. Questions submitted by respondents tended to be about transition model program research, program evaluation,…

The article describes Project LINK, at William Paterson College of New Jersey, which provides training services to mildly handicapped young adults, links local education agencies and postsecondary service provider agencies, and aims to integrate interagency and college-based components into a broad transition model. (DB)

The need to train correctional special educators to implement Public Law 94-142, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, despite such difficulties as the uniqueness of the correctional setting, the lack of interagency cooperation, and the lack of trained correctional special educators, is stressed. (Author/DB)

Integrated service centers have the potential to improve academic achievement in public schools. In this model, schools and community service agencies share spaces and programs and collaborate in planning. Issues of philosophy, organizational structure, management, responsibilities, and funding must be considered in their development. (SK)

This article reviews U.S. federal legislation mandating collaborative transition planning between schools and adult service providers. The Collaborative Transition Model, a six-stage interdisciplinary approach which relates vocational assessment activities to instruction, is offered as one example of a formal transition system being implemented in…

Collaboration is growing among schools and community services for youth, their families, and now, university graduate programs. Proposes a structural model for collaboration which implements the concept of empowerment and designs sustainable working relationships over time. (DR)

Examines three San Diego initiatives exemplifying innovative types of school-community partnerships: the executive-driven Hamilton Center social services model; the Crawford Cluster Connection, a family stabilization consortium that stressed professional collaboration; and the Central Elementary School multiethnic program, built on family…

This article explores the current status in the United States of support to families who care for children with disabilities at home. It summarizes essential program features, program effects, and outstanding issues (such as, ensuring family involvement in policy formation, sufficient funding, and system collaboration). (DB)