This final report describes major activities of a Maine project to develop a follow-up and follow-along survey instrument and data management system to allow local school districts to determine outcomes for graduates with disabilities and use this information in program review and modifications. The report explains the process used in the 1-year…

This report summarizes results obtained for the first cohort of students (n=98) with disabilities involved in the pilot Transition Project begun in 1989 in New South Wales (Australia). Students were in either special schools (56 percent), special classes in regular high schools (40 percent), or integrated regular settings (3.5 percent). Of the…

The report documents the follow-up of mentally retarded school completers in the Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) area, begun with parents/guardians of students who completed their special education programs in 1985-86 (N=73) and also in 1986-87 (N=60) and preliminary follow-up of a 1990 cohort (N=102). Findings for the first two groups are reported in…

College graduates and employers alike have expressed dissatisfaction with the tack of job competencies of new graduates. Both groups suggest that institutions of higher education must do a better job of preparing their students to meet workplace challenges. The author describes the problem and presents a model that is delivered via distance…

This paper reviews problems and recommendations related to the transition of youth from school to work following special education programs in Minnesota. The results of several state-wide studies are reported. The studies include: (1) a review of the employment status of former special education students, (2) a survey of needs, (3) a study of the…

Provided is information that may enable minority students and land grant faculties and administrators to more effectively deal with the academic, financial, and emotional needs of minority students who are making the transition to graduate school. Highlighted are networking, mentoring, financial aid, and increasing sensitivity to the adjustment…

The major goals of this two-semester seminar are to help first-year graduate students understand the links among perspective, theory, assumptions, problem formulation, methods, and findings in psychological research and to optimize their transition into the PhD program. The seminar is described and evaluated and suggestions for change are made.…

The current status and future directions of the field of mental disabilities in Iowa are discussed in the following papers, among others: "Regular Education Initiative and Its Impact on Mental Disabilities" (Carol Bradley); "Mild Mental Retardation Across the Lifespan: Current and Future Considerations" (James Patton);…

This handbook provides survey questionnaires and procedures to guide users in the conduct of follow-up studies to assess the transition success of special education and non-special education students. It focuses on collecting three types of data (employment activities, quality of life, and goal achievement) for special education students and…

The report describes the educational programs that Alaska's 162 small rural high schools offer, identifies educational problems, and examines strategies that districts and schools have devised to strengthen these schools. The schools mostly serve Eskimos and American Indians, have fewer than 100 students, and are located in communities of fewer…

The theme of this collection of 17 monographs is defined as the "senior year experience," that final period of the undergraduate experience leading to entry into graduate school or the workplace. Part 1, "Understanding the Unique Needs of Today's Seniors," examines the characteristics and needs of senior as they make the…