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…

Targeted at special education teachers/special population instructors, work experience coordinators, vocational assessment personnel, and guidance counselors, this guide examines the relationships among career development, transition, and self-determination for students with disabilities. The guide uses a question-and-answer format to identify and…

A study of 69 students with deafness found the following factors facilitated transition from education to adult life and employment: student participation in Individualized Education Program meetings; family involvement in the transition process; transition planning in middle school; and cultural sensitivity in transition planning. Transition…

This article discusses a model transition program and curriculum, ChoiceMaker, which focuses on helping secondary students with disabilities learn those self-determination skills characteristic of successful individuals. The curriculum is organized around 37 self-determination concepts grouped into 7 areas. Student participation in the…

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 study involved a content analysis of the transition goals of 136 students (mean age 17) with mental retardation for those which addressed skills related to self-determination. Results indicated very limited emphasis on such skills. Discussion focuses on the need to provide systematic instruction in elements of self-determination to students…

Eleven chapters provide in-depth perspectives on outcomes and issues of youth with learning disabilities as they move from high school to adulthood. Stressed throughout is the importance of comprehensive transition planning and the educational, employment, social, and living options available to persons with learning disabilities. Chapter titles…

This study examined the effectiveness of the Self-Directed IEP to teach individualized education program (IEP) meeting skills. One hundred and thirty secondary students were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group. Observations of 130 meetings and 764 IEP team members were performed using 10-s momentary time sampling to determine the…

Transition from secondary education to adulthood represents a period during which adolescents with disabilities face multiple responsibilities and changing roles that include establishing independence, attending postsecondary education or training, developing social networks, choosing a career, participating in their communities, and managing…

This monograph is intended to provide guidance to state, school district, and building-level personnel, and family organizations as they strive to comply with the transition requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The monograph includes: (1) a description of the importance and intent of transition services for youth…

This brief paper considers planning for the transition of students with disabilities from the school setting to adult life. First, "transition services" are defined according to requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The relationship of transition services to the student's Individualized Education Program is…

This policy brief examines states' experiences and data regarding implementation of the transition planning mandate of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It reports on a study which investigated whether implementation of transition planning was associated with decreased dropout rates for youth with disabilities and whether the format…

This report examines efforts in Idaho to provide transition information and planning to secondary students with disabilities and their families. It offers an ideal profile of best transition practices. It then reports on a survey of 247 teachers, 170 principals, and 105 special education directors/superintendents in Idaho. The survey examined: (1)…

The manual provides parent educators with guidelines for conducting a series of four 1-hour meetings to help parents of preschool handicapped children fulfill their role as their child's advocate. At the first meeting, information on tests and testing and on the Individualized Education Program process is presented. In the second meeting, parents…

The Learning Development and Evaluation Center (LDEC) at Florida A&M University offers students with specific learning disabilities the opportunity to succeed in postsecondary education. LDEC provides psychoeducational assessments upon which an individualized educational plan is based. Guidelines encompass initial screening procedures, ongoing…