Discussed is how to bridge the gap that separates new high school graduates from good jobs. The obstacles that students face, systems used in other countries for integrating young people into the workforce, the lack of a system in the United States, and key features that are needed for effective school-to-work transition programs are described.…

This document focuses on employer/employment services in vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs. Vocational rehabilitation is undergoing transformation in employment services to respond to redefined priorities, diverse populations, changing labor markets, state-of-the-art technologies, legislative mandates, and economic factors. Changes in…

As part of a series of topic papers assessing federal laws and programs affecting persons with disabilities, this paper focuses on employment programs and initiatives. Described are (1) the transition model of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), which emphasizes a solid educational foundation and adequate…

Recent reforms assume that welfare recipients can achieve employment if welfare agencies just give them a "push". Over the next ten years, the "employment solution" to welfare faces the following three challenges: (1) employing all employable welfare recipients; (2) helping them get and keep good jobs; and (3) reconstructing a…

This report presents issues which have been identified as affecting the preparation of women for professional and managerial careers. Issues examined in the first section, counseling, are educational and psychological skills; assessment of skills, abilities, opportunities, and realities; specialization for professional positions; assessment of…

In rethinking its policy with regard to involvement in the vocational education enterprise, the federal government must consider traditional educational goals as well as recent social, economic, and demographic changes. If the idea of vocational education as part of the public school system is going to work, it is necessary to make vocational…