This book serves as a guide for parents, students, teachers and school administrators to build programs to assist students with disabilities to successfully transition from school to adult living.

Preparing students with disabilities for adult living is a challenge for schools. This book serves as a guide for parents, students, teachers and school administrators to build transition programs at the secondary level to facilitate a successful transition from school to adult living. It is research-based combined with a common-sense approach. In this book Christy Mahanay-Castro explains special education law, and discusses recent research on students with disabilities and their experiences in transitioning from the public schools into adult living. She also includes a practical set of activities and worksheets to assist the special education teacher with facilitating the transition of students with disabilities.

"As mandated by federal law, schools must assist students with disabilities in developing appropriate goals and transition plans for life after high school. Written for teachers and student assistance professionals, this comprehensive and practical book focuses on how the planning process can prepare students for the greater independence of postsecondary settings. Recognizing that students with disabilities have a wide range of needs, this resource discusses the transition requirements of various postsecondary options, including colleges, universities, career and technical training programs, and employment. Developed by highly regarded experts, this authoritative guide includes: the most up-to-date information on key legislation that affects transition services and the rights and responsibilities of students and professionals; advice for helping students document disabilities, develop self-advocacy skills, and seek accommodations; information about postsecondary resources on campus and in the community; students' personal stories and a look at the role of family involvement. An overview of transition considerations for middle school youth."--Publisher's website.

Addressing the full range of curricular and instructional issues that face professionals working in middle school, high school, and post-high school programs, Successful Transition Programs: Pathways for Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Second Edition is the most relevant text available for teachers and administrators. Authors John McDonnell and Michael L. Hardman take the position that the most effective transition programs are those that cumulatively build on the capacity of students for employment, community living, and citizenship. Key Features and Benefits Covers systematic transition planning, employment preparation, participation in the general education curriculum, instruction in community settings, and preparing students to live as independently as possible Aligns with recommended practice in the field and with federal legislation governing educational and community service programs Contains ecological curriculum models for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities Includes focus review questions, real-life example windows, and point/counterpoint boxes from key researchers on controversial issues to help readers connect the book's concepts with the typical needs of students

Schools and community agencies must work together to provide transition services to secondary students with disabilities. Effective transition requires the resources and expertise of adult service agencies, community groups, employers, families, school transition specialists, teachers and other practitioners. This book provides a step-by-step process and concrete strategies by which secondary special educators can build collaborative relationships with service agencies and others in the community to provide transition services. 26 strategies are broken down into specific activities to bring the needed groups and individuals to the table and into transition teams, and communicate effectively to plan and deliver transition services that are collaborative, effective, and sustainable.

"Covering transition policies and practices, Transition Planning for Secondary Students with Disabilities, 4th edition, emphasizes how to let student goals and future environments guide transition planning and programming. The text tackles a range of transition topics from legislative policies to specific transition activities. A strong theme emphasizes four essential elements of transition and connects content across chapters and topics. Unlike other books, this one offers a unique backward planning process that focuses on a student's self-determined goals and post-school environments as a basis for current transition planning."-- Back cover.

The purpose of this guide is to assist those involved in the transition planning process to help students with disabilities achieve a smooth transition from school to adult life. The guide addresses topics that deal with the preparation of students with disabilities as they leave high school. The guide's eight chapters deal with: (1) defining transition and transition planning and outlining relevant legislation; (2) transition and self-advocacy, and the student's rights and responsibilities at the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting; (3) identification of needs and student assessment, including methods of collecting data, how to use assessment data, and types of assessment; (4) developing an individual plan for transition, focusing on targeted outcomes and roles and responsibilities of IEP team members; (5) curriculum for successful transition, including functional curriculum, daily living skills, social skills, occupational skills, and other topics; (6) support services in secondary and postsecondary settings; (7) transition planning and interagency cooperation; and (8) program evaluation and follow-up, which emphasizes the need for student follow-up as a necessary part of transition. Appendixes provide sample IEP statements, goals and objectives, suggested transition activities, and a sample IEP form. (Contains 34 references.) (CR)