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An analysis was conducted of the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) research evidence base on the effectiveness of replicable education interventions. Most interventions were found to have little or no support from technically adequate research studies, and intervention effect sizes were of questionable magnitude to meet education policy goals. These findings painted a dim picture of the evidence base on education interventions and indicated a need for new approaches, including a reexamination of federal reliance on experimental impact research as the basis for gauging intervention effectiveness.

Although the exact prevalence is not determined, a noticeable subset of individuals who enroll in adult education and training programs have either diagnosed or undiagnosed specific learning disabilities (SLD). Understanding SLD is important basic information for adult educators to inform program policies as well as determine effective instructional practices. This article discusses the development of definitions of SLD and current agreement on the nature of SLD relevant to working with adults. It concludes with implications for adult education programs. (Contains 1 figure.)

The following principles of systemic reform can guide improved services for inmates with learning disabilities: (1) involve all stakeholders in creating a shared vision and action plan; (2) enlist administrative support; (3) provide meaningful, ongoing professional development; (4) identify resources; and (5) monitor and improve the change process. (SK)

Competencies needed by transition specialists for youth with disabilities were validated, based on opinions of 134 specialists in vocational rehabilitation, vocational special education, and special education. Competencies rated most important to effective transition services include the ability to coordinate, communicate, and collaborate. Knowledge of agencies and systems change was the highest-rated competency. (SW)

This article describes the Reading Strategies Program, which teaches decoding skills to primary-level students with learning disabilities with a methodology intended to teach children to apply the skills to literature. Cognitive strategies also are used to apply comprehension skills to the material and to write about the material read. (JDD)

This article presents a framework for preservice or inservice development of transition personnel. The framework focuses on working with others, knowledge of agencies and influencing systems, development of individualized services, professionalism, job training and support, assessment, administrative functions, philosophical considerations, career counseling, program evaluation, and curriculum and instruction. (DB)

This study of autonomous functioning in 100 adolescents with learning disabilities found that subjects differed significantly from a nondisabled comparison group in execution of management activities involving use of community resources and self-management but found little or no differences on self and family care, recreation, and social and vocational activity. (JDD)

Former special education students (n=23) were surveyed to investigate the outcomes of mainstreaming urban youth with mild disabilities into regular vocational programs to prepare them for employment. All respondents had been employed in at least one job since graduation, but more were unemployed than employed. (Author/JOW)

Two self-administered, self-scored, and self-interpreted career interest inventories used by adolescents and adults are described, the Self-Directed Search and its Form Easy, an adaptation for poor readers. The paper discusses test components, subtests, and theory; gender issues; interpretation; appropriateness; coding discrepancies; and recommendations for learning disability professionals and rehabilitation counselors. (PB)

ABSTRACT: Transition services and interagency service coordination for youth with disabilities have increased significantly during the past 10 years. The development of these services has necessitated the creation of new human services professional roles. One emerging role is that of transition specialist. Competencies for this new role of transition specialist have not been validated. This study was conducted to identify and validate competencies for transition specialist practitioners. Practitioners across the United States from the fields of vocational special education, special education, and vocational rehabilitation identified competencies believed essential to providing effective transition services. "Knowledge of agencies and systems change" was the highest-rated competency., Advocates for youth with disabilities promote actions that empower these youth with the skills to make smooth transitions from secondary education into personally satisfying postschool environments and activities (Martin, Marshall, [...]

This paper describes cooperative learning techniques, outlines outcomes from cooperative learning, and discusses factors in cooperative learning that impact on its effectiveness with learning-disabled adolescents: interdependent goal structure, individual accountability, group composition, group size, physical arrangement, accommodation of diverse abilities, teacher role, individualization, group reward, and social skills. (JDD)

A transition model for young adults with mild disabilities, the "Job Training and Tryout" model, comprises four components: development of an individualized employment plan; employability skills training, job tryouts, and supported job search; job placement, follow-up, and job clubs; and job change and advancement assistance. Preliminary employment outcomes for 66 individuals are reported. (Author/PB)

Strategies are described for longitudinal career education programing for handicapped students in elementary school (such as having guest speakers and field trips), middle school (including running a classroom business), and high school (such as sampling vocational courses and encouraging cooperative agreements between special and vocational educators). (CL)

Despite barriers such as apathy, lack of training, home problems, and demographic and ethnic factors, vocational and special educators need to involve parents in setting goals and determining strategies that will help handicapped adolescents become qualified workers. (SK)

Although the exact prevalence is not determined, a noticeable subset of individuals who enroll in adult education and training programs have either diagnosed or undiagnosed specific learning disabilities (SLD). Understanding SLD is important basic information for adult educators to inform program policies as well as determine effective instructional practices. This article discusses the development of definitions of SLD and current agreement on the nature of SLD relevant to working with adults. It concludes with implications for adult education programs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Systemic reform has gained ground in education policy over the past decade but has been slow to catch on in adult literacy and correctional education programs, particularly as it relates to services to adults with learning disabilities (LD). The notion of systemic reform is rooted in the belief that, with appropriate changes, programs can improve outcomes for all learners. Fundamental to a successful change effort for improving services to inmates with LD are knowledge and awareness about the manifestations and consequences of LD-not just for correctional education staff but also for the correctional system in general. This article presents principles of systemic reform that can guide correctional education staff through a process designed to improve educational services for inmates with LD. Steps to systemic reform of literacy programs include the following: (1) bring all the stakeholders together to create a shared vision and develop an action plan; (2) enlist administrative support; (3) provide meaningful and ongoing professional development opportunities; (4) identify resources; and (5) continuously monitor and improve the change process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A postsecondary, time‐limited transition model for young adults with disabilities is presented. Practices concerning effective transition programming are described, along with preliminary employment outcomes for a group of 66 individuals with mild disabilities. Issues and future challenges concerning the employment‐related needs of individuals with learning disabilities are then presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]