This paper examines the negotiations that occur in a specific educational setting when traditional student placement practices are challenged and redesigned in an effort to better meet the needs of English language learners. The settings for these negotiations is an elementary school where over 90 percent of the students are native English…

This report addresses questions of interest to federal officials in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) concerning the characteristics, services, and outcomes of transition-aged youth (ages 18-25) who applied for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services during November 1994-December 1996. The analyses conducted for…

In 1997, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized and new regulations took effect May 11, 1999. Several sections of the regulations pertain to the transition of students with disabilities from school to adult life. This policy update presents the regulatory language and describes potential implications in 11 areas…

This guide to pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) first provides a review of the literature on defining characteristics of PDD/ASD, causes of PDD, and diagnosis of PDD. Review of intervention and treatment comprises the major portion of the paper. After briefly considering parent education, this section…

This digest discusses comprehensive training planning for students with disabilities and ways educators can facilitate the involvement of students with disabilities in helping to formulate the Individualized Transition Plan component of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Strategies for encouraging student participation include: (1) begin…

This guide is a planning tool for establishing Head Start-Parent Teacher Association (PTA) partnerships, building effective transition practices from preschool to kindergarten, and promoting continuity in parent and family involvement. Designed for use by coordinators of early childhood, parent involvement, and outreach activities, the guide can…

This bulletin provides guidance and direction to Missouri local education agencies (LEAs) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams regarding the U.S. Office of Special Education Program's findings that indicate Missouri students with disabilities were held to entrance requirements for vocational education programs without consideration of…

This action kit highlights steps city officials can take to help young people who are not connected to school, work, or caring adults. The kit recommends steps that cities can take to promote educational achievement, develop stronger workforce connections, support youth in transition from the foster care and juvenile justice systems, and build a…

Transitioning from high school to a postsecondary educational environment is exciting but challenging. There are new places, new faces, and new ways of doing things. Students now must advocate for themselves instead of having programs and services planned for them. These adjustments can at times be overwhelming. Minimize the challenges by planning…

Northwestern University's recently revised undergraduate curriculum is described. Six distributional areas of required study are: natural sciences, formal studies, social and behavioral sciences, historical studies, values, and literature and fine arts. The plan reflects the need for compensatory and transitional courses as well as for…

Examines ways to strengthen the middle school's relationship with parents of special needs adolescents. Focuses on establishing a transition plan between elementary and middle school, maintaining ongoing communication with families, providing a variety of advisory options, and generating a school climate of acceptance for all students and…

Examines recent trends in early childhood education practice: the education of all children in inclusive classes, the management of vertical and horizontal transitions, the emergence of early childhood education and care programs, the development of school-family-community partnerships, the emphasis on language learning and emergent literacy, the…

Discusses methods for using computers to help reduce the drop-out rate. Describes several different programs. Indicates that restructuring the school, early intervention, and parent involvement are key factors towards success. (MVL)

Researchers and practitioners have generally concentrated on the following areas of social competence: (1) social assertion; (2) interviewing skills; and (3) conversational ability. Reviews issues of methodology. Studies are reviewed and recommendations for future research are made. (Author/BJV)

A distance education program trained teachers in West Virginia and Missouri rural school districts to implement the Life Centered Career Education Curriculum, a comprehensive K-12 transitional program. The program allowed educators in rural school districts to access a campus-based training course and begin incorporating transitional…