Transitioning Vocational Services (TVS) meets the career exploration, training, and placement requirements of students with special needs in Illinois High School Districts 211 and 214. It serves students enrolled in special education who require assistance with the transition to postsecondary training and/or employment. TVS targets wards of the state, youth with limited proficiency in English, dropouts, and economically disadvantaged youth for transition-related assistance. TVS helps students with special needs target postsecondary goals through formalized transition planning. A three-level assessment format is used to determine individual vocational, career, and training needs. Students with goals to develop work behaviors essential to entry-level community employment may be referred to the TVS Transitional Lab, which provides students with a structured work experience before they attempt a competitive job within the community. In-school and community-based job training sites are tailored to individual interests and abilities in order to provide each student with concrete experiences upon which to base career decisions. TVS provides ongoing career guidance and counseling. Students considered ready for competitive employment receive job placement services throughout the year preceding graduation. TVS programs and services require ongoing communication and collaboration with community services, parents, businesses, and local adult service providers. (Contacts for further information are listed.) (YLB)