Site Links Home Search for ERIC Digests Privacy Policy Resources for Library Instruction ... Information Literacy Blog ERIC Identifier: Publication Date: Author: Lankard, Bettina A. Source: ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult Career and Vocational Education Columbus OH. Parents and the School-to-Work Transition of Special Needs Youth. ERIC Digest. The school-to-work transition of the nation's youth has been a major focus of vocational education efforts for the past decade. Educators help students identify their interests and abilities, engage in career education and career development activities, and develop individual education plans. Although these activities are significant, their comprehensiveness and effectiveness are limited by staff and time. "The ratio of students to counselors in public high schools is almost 300 to 1; and school guidance counselors are able to spend less than one hour of every five on career counseling" (Otto 1989, p. 161). Add to this the unique and complicated counseling needs of students with disabilities and it becomes apparent that other actors, primarily parents, must be included in the school-to-work transition of youth. Will defines transition as "an outcome-oriented process encompassing a broad array of services and experiences that lead to employment" (Friedenberg et al. 1993, p. 235). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990 defines transition services as "a coordinated set of activities for a student, designed within an outcome-oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation" (ibid.). This ERIC DIGEST looks at the challenges of effecting successful transitions, particularly for students with disabilities, and parents' roles in the transition process. | |
|