The paper examines ways to enhance the transition of handicapped students from special preschools to public school kindergartens. The importance of careful planning, evaluation, and modification for individual needs is stressed. The effects of larger class size in kindergartens include requirements for students to obey group instructions, work…

The report describes the operating experiences of the Structured Training and Employment Transitional Services (STETS) demonstration, a program designed to prepare mentally retarded young adults for regular private sector employment. The STETS program was managed by several types of agencies in five cities. Evaluation information on STETS…

The transition from the structure of prison life to the freedom of the community is considered an uncertain, confusing, and stressful period which often results in renewed criminal behavior. To explore the experiences and needs of juvenile offenders, 27 youths recently released from secure detention to the community completed the Needs Evaluation…

Discusses middle schools' phenomenal growth over the past 20 years. Compared with junior high schools, middle schools provide better transition between elementary and high school, offer broader and more flexible programs, and focus on early adolescent needs. Problems of identity and inadequate teacher education are also discussed. Includes 32…

The author describes the Irish Work Experience Programme designed to give youth work experience to increase their employability. Trainees were placed with a private sector employer for 26 weeks and paid a training allowance. Although many subsequently found permanent employment, the program reached few of the most disadvantaged among first-time…

The author describes the Summerleas Youth Cooperative on Griston Farm, Kingston, Australia. This cooperative challenges young people who are dependent on unemployment benefits to engage in personal development that will allow them to become self-supporting. (CH)

The article outlines a guide to help special educators, parents, and adult service providers assist learning-disabled individuals in exploring employment and postsecondary options and enhance the transition planning process. Steps include developing an employability profile, identifying occupational areas to explore, and conducting exploration…

Special needs populations lacking adequate preparation for employment can benefit from programs of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). However, enrollment and placement rates for these groups vary widely among states. Overall, it is important that JTPA resources are used equitably and effectively. (CH)

Vocational education programs should promote independence to counteract the dependency typically fostered in correctional institutions. In addition, vocational programs must include a transition component, which stresses critical job retention skills. The development of a successful vocational program depends upon the skills and cooperation of a…

Describes the development since 1978 of the Clarkson School, a special division of New York's Clarkson University. The school provides college credit courses, school orientation programs, and personal adjustment assistance to entering students who have completed their junior years of high school and desire early admission to college. (PGD)

Peer-monitoring and self-monitoring procedures were developed to decrease disruption and nonparticipation during transition activities of a kindergarten class with 10 children with behavior and/or learning problems. Results suggested that classroom management can be achieved through carefully developed routines with clear instructions paired with…

Investigated interest in precollege, university-level courses and factors regarding selection of higher educational institutions among academically gifted students (N=315). Results showed the following four factors to be significant in order of priority: academic quality of the institution, special institutional features, social life, and…

Parents of a multiply handicapped young adolescent speak to a counselor about an upcoming hearing considering their child's possible transfer to public school from a residential school where he has spent several years. The boy himself also discloses his anxiety and uncertainty. (CL)

A collaborative study was conducted to investigate students perceptions of their learning environments in elementary and middle school and to suggest interventions that would aid the school district in creating developmentally appropriate practices at the secondary level as the students experience the transition into middle school. Data were…

Many states are beginning to notice discontinuities in policy between the K-12 and higher education systems. One approach to easing the high school to college transition is to establish postsecondary enrollment options (PSEO) programs. Currently, 32 states have laws or recently have passed legislation to establish and govern PSEO programs. The…