A study used data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988-1994 to compare postsecondary outcomes among 7,007 students with and without disabilities who participated in secondary vocational education. Students with disabilities who participated in vocational education earned more wages than peers with disabilities who did not…

A follow-up study involving 140 special education graduates found vocational education, work-study participation, attending a rural school, and having a learning disability were the best predictors of full-time employment after graduation. Participation in regular academics and attending a suburban school were the best predictors of postsecondary…

Exit plans of 1,632 students attending 92 private out-of-district special education programs were studied. Students from programs for medical and pervasive developmental/communication disorders were likely to plan transfers to self-contained programs within their districts, whereas students from emotional/behavioral programs tended to plan…

A six-week summer transition program for students with disabilities entering the University of Arkansas includes academic advising and personal counseling, enrollment in six hours of college credit, and participation in a range of social and recreational activities. Participants rated the program as good college preparation. (MSE)

Advantages of school-community partnerships in developing rural transitional programs for disabled students include informal community politics that provide opportunities for educational support, accessibility of nonschool personnel, acquaintanceship of parents, strong rural work ethic, and easy identification of community resources. Provides…

This qualitative study used focus groups to explore student perspectives on family involvement in the transition from school to adult life. Four focus groups, including students with learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and mild mental retardation, demonstrated the importance to students of family input and support.…

Competencies needed by transition specialists for youth with disabilities were validated, based on opinions of 134 specialists in vocational rehabilitation, vocational special education, and special education. Competencies rated most important to effective transition services include the ability to coordinate, communicate, and collaborate.…

This article focuses on competencies needed for children's transitions from preschool special education programs to the primary grades, with a focus on literacy-rich classroom environments. The competencies concern: readiness to maximize academic achievement, social skills, and appropriate responsiveness to various instructional styles and new…

The effects of a goal-setting and help-recruiting training program on the attainment of transition goals were evaluated with six adjudicated male youths with disabilities who resided in a segregated institution. The youths attained 11 of 17 established transition goals, and reported improved satisfaction with their social competencies. (SW)

The Future-Based Assessment/Intervention Transition Model is an individualized approach to educational planning for students with disabilities. The model involves developing a plan around short-term and long-term goals that will prepare students to meet demands in school and in future adult environments. (JDD)

A survey of 24 members of school-level transition teams in four rural school districts examined the effectiveness of teams and barriers to transition success. Results support the need for improved postschool case management and follow-up services. Results also show a strong relationship between written transition policy and procedures and…

The Vocational Education to Work model is a system of communication and support between vocational and special educators, designed to train students with disabilities in mainstreamed vocational education. The model's four sequential components include active recruitment, guided placement, continuing support, and job placement followup.…

The mandated transition content of Individualized Educational Programs for 68 Arkansas high school students with disabilities was rated using a checklist of outcomes and life skills. Many plans were unclear regarding residential, postsecondary education, and employment goals, and important skill areas were overlooked. The checklist is presented…

Interviews with 106 Apache Native American youth (including 52 who received special education services) who had exited high school between 1988 and 1992 found that 14 special education and 19 general education students were employed. Results are discussed in light of curriculum, cultural implications of employment, and federally mandated…

A study compared the experience of parents of children with disabilities (n=93) and parents of children without disabilities (n=111) as their children prepared to leave high school. Parents of children with disabilities were more likely to be pessimistic and feel greater discomfort about the children's transition from school. (CR)