This researcher addresses whether transition planning with classified special education students is being implemented in accordance with the Kohler model for successful transition planning. Using archival data available from two high schools, one with a specialized on campus program and the latter as an excluded site specializing in classified…

The article describes critical components of a transition planning system for students with severe handicaps, including coordinating transition planning on a local level, developing transition plans, preparing parents for transition planning, and coordination with adult service agencies. (CL)

This study analyzed the impact that the use of Person Centered Planning (PCP) had with 10 transition-age students receiving special education services. Interviews with students, parents, and educators indicated that PCP training was associated with various indicators of service provision as well as higher satisfaction with the planning process.…

Describes an interview format for use in engaging families of young people with disabilities in dialogue regarding vocational programming needs. The interview addresses parental expectations, family experiences and preferences, the student's personal needs, family support, transportation options, and wages and benefits. Ways to integrate results…

Analysis of surveys completed by 186 transition teams found that schools are generally complying with transition requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act with the exception of the requirement to reconvene the Individualized Education Program team if planned transition services are not provided. The strongest predictor of…

A three-stage model transition program is proposed for the successful transition to higher education for learning disabled (LD) secondary students. Transition planning is defined as a process initiated by high school personnel to establish and implement a plan upon high school entry for LD students with college potential. Such planning should…

Involvement of students with mild mental retardation (MMR) in the transition planning process was evaluated through interviews with 44 secondary teachers of students with MMR. The interviews focused on behaviors of the teacher and Individualized Education Program (IEP) team members before and during the transition planning meeting as well as…

This newsletter issue reviews the research and literature on issues and best practices in programs to facilitate the transition of students with disabilities to adult life. First, the definition of transition services under the 1997 Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is presented and explained. Next, a…

Information concerning implementation of Individualized Transition Plans (ITP) was collected from 46 states and analyzed to determine documentation used in transition planning, relationship between the ITP and Individualized Education Programs, age for beginning transition planning, individuals involved in transition planning, and issues addressed…

This guide for parents of students with disabilities in Florida provides information about the types of diplomas available through the Florida public school system and is intended to help parents and students make diploma choices in middle school and beyond as part of yearly transition individualized education program (IEP) meetings. Part 1…

The transition to adult life for students with reading and writing challenges is an area that is not often addressed. The purpose of this article is to relate the informal assessment process to the broader context of high stakes assessment, high school exit exams, diploma options, and transition planning; identify the competencies needed for a…

This guide is intended to help Ohio educators and parents involved in the transition of students with disabilities into the work place and community. It begins with some questions which may help to determine the student's own desires in the areas of employment, living skills, and community. Next, suggestions are provided to help the transition…

This digest describes the process of designing quality individualized education program (IEP) transition plans for secondary students with disabilities as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended in 1997. It stresses the importance of taking an early, long-range approach, preferably beginning at age 14 or…

This study evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of the Georgia Cooperative School Programme which provides work experiences for high school students with mental retardation or other disabilities through coordination with rehabilitation services. Evaluation indicated the program appears to prevent some dropouts but improved interagency…

Vocationally at-risk students have one or a combination of handicaps affecting mobility, coordination, communication, self-care and/or cognition which may significantly interfere with the goals of successful student-to-adult transition, namely employment, productive work, and independent community living. A program for students with physical…