This study follows the concerns and stresses of four Australian people with mental retardation for five months as they moved out into a community-based supported accommodation. The transition was seen as a positive event which lowered stress, however, other issues gradually re-emerged and their perceived stress level soon rose again. (Author/CR)

Presents examples of developmental students who support each other both personally and academically during the transitional first year of college. Describes the learning communities program, in which linked developmental classes specifically encourage cross-disciplinary learning and peer collaboration. Emphasizes the necessity for students to take…

The mother of a young adult with autism suggests ways that religious communities, especially their family's Jewish community, can help in the transition of young people with developmental disabilities to adulthood. She urges inclusion in religious schools, provision of workshops and support systems for young adults and their families, and…

Of 34 students in a bridging program for underrepresented groups at an Australian university, 19 had no recent educational experience and 10 came directly from high school; 20 used friends as their primary information source, smaller numbers used mass media. Better ways to disseminate information about the bridging program were recommended. (SK)

A study of 27 residential schools for students with visual impairments found the majority thought that at least an average amount of collaboration with local education agencies takes place during student transitions. They expressed concerns, however, related to cooperation, acceptance of students, and understanding of each other's programs.…

Several districts have taken a radical approach to middle/high school transitions, removing ninth-graders from the mix to give them the attention needed to succeed in high school. Three ninth-grade-only schools with 720 to 750 students in Virginia, Texas, and Pennsylvania are profiled. Students experience less social pressure from upper-classmen.…

A Maryland middle school helps students navigate passage to high school with 10 crossings: parent engagement, mentoring transitional opportunities program, a middle-school exit form, a special assembly, a closing ceremony, a unification process, departmental articulation, a roundtable involving middle- and high-school principals, and a high-school…

Investigated the long-term academic effects of a first-year foundation course designed to enhance the academic performance of university students. Found that third-year academic performance is not simply a function of initial language and mathematics competence levels; those who improved performance in the foundation course tended to perform well…

The career development and disability knowledge of 97 students with learning disabilities from three postsecondary institutions in the Midwest was examined. Students who were eligible for services while in high school generally did not engage in transition planning and their career development activities were limited despite having unique career…

This article describes the types of early childhood special education transitions that have or have not received federal or state policy development. It is suggested that bi-directional influences on transition policy have connected the decisions of policymakers at multiple levels with the actions and advocacy of family and practitioner…

Defines the Transitions Endorsement program as a school improvement model based upon the credentialing of individual students. States that schools pursuing the endorsement must focus on helping students make successful transitions from school to school and from school to career. Outlines credentialing requirements and criteria for the endorsement.…

This article on transition for students with learning disabilities (LD) reviews the transition concept from a life-span perspective and considers transition planning, including the role of the planning team, the importance of timing, and forces influencing transition programs. It then provides background information, themes, and highlights for…

An interactive transition plan is a document that a student with disabilities makes with the assistance of friends, family members, or school personnel. This plan helps the student communicate relevant information to the general-education teacher. Sharing plans with receiving teachers can be rewarding and insightful. (MLH)

Strategies to improve transition planning include the following: (1) assess students' transition goals using life-skills assessments related to career education; (2) incorporate students' and parents' perspectives using future-based assessment and planning; and (3) specify interventions for achieving outcomes. (Contains 24 references.) (JOW)

The North Carolina Transition Services Survey, designed to evaluate the impact of federally-funded transition systems change grant, was completed by 76 of 116 school systems. Analysis evaluated relationships between types of transition services, implementation strategies, and delivery of best practices. Systems that focused on implementing…