Urban African American males face complex barriers to learning and achievement. A Washington, D.C., school has designed a ninth-grade program that effectively enhances youngsters' self-concept and allows them to succeed academically. Ninth graders attend most classes in the Annex, a personalized, caring environment that subverts negative aspects…

A study of 22 students with mental retardation and their families evaluated the impact of person-centered planning activities on several variables related to a student's individual education program/transition planning meeting. Person-centered planning had a significant effect on parent participation in meetings, but not on discussion of…

New York's Transitional Foster Care Program assists adolescents in foster family care in making successful transitions to independent living. The basic principles underlying the program are individualized plans, a multi-level approach, adult learning standards, and reality-based experiences. Variations include a mentor model and a boarder model.…

Examines the extent to which organizations are meeting the transitional support needs of adult learners. Focuses on the roles of all constituent groups involved in the provision of transition support services, such as instructors, institutional leadership, and administration. Discusses optimism and control, self-awareness, and social and emotional…

This paper addresses the theoretical and practical concerns of transition-related career assessment for adolescents with mild disabilities. It defines assessment terms and then discusses the applicability of prominent career theories. Primary career assessment areas that support the preparation of adolescents with mild disabilities are identified.…

Discussion of school-to-work (STW) transitions for youth with mild disabilities first summarizes current research and models of practice on STW transition in special education, then identifies implicit yet infrequently named theories in research and practice, makes connections to STW theories outside special education, and suggests how emerging…

This article provides historical background on school-to-work (STW) activities, especially for students with hearing impairments. It describes laws shaping requirements for STW programs and research supporting STW components. Recommendations for curricular elements of an STW program are offered and future trends in STW are forecast. (Contains…

The Transition Service Integration Model integrates resources of public schools, rehabilitation, and developmental disability systems. School and private non-profit agencies work together to develop employment and inclusive community activities during the student's last school year. Rehabilitation and developmental disability systems then work…

A pilot project brought 17 high school students with developmental disabilities to a college campus for job sampling. Participants were mentored by 23 college students. Preliminary data indicate the project had benefits for young adults with and without disabilities and supported the use of a community-based service-learning model. (Contains…

Three Maine studies examined the school-to-work transition of special needs students, focusing on (1) transition-related programs, policies, and practices in Maine secondary schools; (2) educator attitudes toward and opinions about transition services; and (3) employment outcomes of special education high school graduates. (SV)

A planning procedure was developed to increase opportunities for secondary special education students to be referred to and receive appropriate community services after graduation. The procedure requires interagency cooperation and focuses on vocational placement, postsecondary education, living arrangements, mobility, and financial planning.…

The problems of Individual Education Plan (IEP) utilization with handicapped students are analyzed and compared to the developing use of Individual Transition Plans (ITP). Considered are issues of accountability, relevance, quality, feasibility, and preparedness. (DB)

The 10 components of a career development curriculum for mentally ill individuals are intended to achieve 3 goals: (1) job readiness (reality of work, integration of mental illness and employment, on-the-job behavior); (2) career decision making (self-assessment, occupational information, career choice); and (3) getting and keeping employment (job…

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 article describes Project M.E.A.L.(Model for Employment and Adult Living) in Phoenix, Arizona, designed to move unemployed young learning disabled adults recently out of school to employment and community living. Training and support services link clients with available community training or education programs and sustained employment in…