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A study that explored 12 high school students' participation in transition-related activities indicated teachers, students, and mothers did not perceive formal transition-related processes as occurring at school or home. Teachers and mothers agreed that better communication was needed as well as administrative support to implement an effective transition process. (Author/CR)

A study investigated the process and outcomes associated with research-to-practice strategies in three schools during a three and a half-year project. The interrelated phases of the process were the establishment of an empirical foundation, the design and implementation of school-based interventions, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the interventions. Findings from each phase are discussed. (Author/CR)

Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship among student skills, family climate, and educational opportunities, and self-determination and student action in 237 secondary students with disabilities. Results indicate educational opportunities were related to student self-determination and action taking, with a lack of a relationship between student skills and family climate. (Author/CR)

Presents a definitional framework of self-determination as an important educational outcome for students with disabilities. It identifies essential characteristics of self-determination and discusses developmental aspects of self-determination. Implications for educational intervention during the early childhood, elementary, and secondary years are drawn. (DB)

This discussion of the developmental underpinnings of self-determination for students with disabilities considers metacognition, self-perception, social problem solving, and autonomous decision making. It urges developing school policies contributing to self-sufficiency; ameliorating curricular, instructional, and service delivery systems fostering dependence; expanding students' opportunities to exercise choice and independence; and research on the emergence of self-determined behaviors in young children. (DB)

A program was implemented to provide a community-based living and work experience for students with mild/moderate mental retardation making the transition from high school to adult life. The program focuses on independent living skills, vocational education, and functional academic instruction. It incorporates shared resources, community-based instruction, job placement, family involvement, and choice making. (JDD)

Curriculum beliefs and practices were surveyed with 341 Colorado elementary and secondary special education teachers. Findings include: training in curriculum development occurs mostly on the job; teachers want training in teaching compensatory and life skills; teachers believe that individualized education plans constitute the curriculum for students with disabilities; and curriculum focus varies little across service-delivery models. (Author/SW)

This study provided descriptive data on the typical population in Colorado (n=133) using a modified questionnaire (The Consumer Satisfaction Survey) used to evaluate services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Results suggest the importance of distinguishing between factors necessary for basic levels of satisfaction and those which can enhance the quality of life. (DB)

Interviews with 76 working adults with developmental disabilities suggested that full-time employment did little to improve their quality of life. Interviews covered subjects' physical and material well-being, relations with others, personal development and fulfillment, social activities, community and civic activities, and productivity. Issues of accessibility, place of residence, and personal autonomy are raised. (DB)

The author of EC 604 294 examines the lack of training students receive in applying problem-solving processes to novel situations and explores the development of her interest in defining and operationalizing the concept of independent living skills in individuals with disabilities, especially deafness. (JDD)

This study, involving 118 adolescents and adults with deafness, found a high level of concurrent criterion validity for the National Independent Living Skills (NILS) Screening Instrument. The study concluded that the NILS is a valid tool for assessing independent living skills of persons age 16 and older with a hearing impairment and possible secondary handicapping conditions. (Author/JDD)

Satisfaction with human services and quality of life was evaluated through interviews with 247 Colorado individuals with developmental disabilities (age 0-72 years) assisted by caregivers. Consumer satisfaction and levels of integration, productivity, and independence were measured for the following services: case management, residential, educational, vocational, health, individual support, transportation, and caregiver support. (Author/DB)

Reports the instruments used to assess a current level of functioning of the disabled persons. Assessment of independent living skills; Administration of test on 278 disabled persons; Recommendation of independent living skills training.