An increasing number of occupational and educational planning aids are relying on self-estimates of aptitudes rather than objective measures of abilities. A preliminary examination of the accuracy of self-estimated aptitudes with high school seniors (N=74) suggests unsubstantiated self-estimates may lead to decisions based on unrealistic…

This project's goal was the placement of diversely handicapped students at the secondary level in suitable vocational programs which would lead to eventual employment. The technique employed to discover the aptitudes of these special students was work sampling, which is a vocational evaluation procedure utilizing "hands on" experiences,…

An overview is provided of the career/vocational assessment process as applied to individuals with mental disabilities. Types of information that need to be gathered can be grouped into seven basic categories: medical; functional academic skills; interests and environmental preferences; interpersonal skills; work habits and attitudes; learning…

The document contains 10 papers on assessment in the career development of the handicapped, and is one of three volumes of selected papers presented at a November 1981, international conference on the career development of handicapped individuals. Part I contains four papers presented in a special session on assessment issues, and Part 2 contains…

This brief outline of areas of vocational education important for the educable mentally handicapped notes the following general areas which have implications for curriculum development: (1) psychomotor skills, (2) social development, and (3) community and job-related competencies. Educational needs for vocational training and program development…

This book contains seven articles intended to help counselors guide people in career and life planning. Both new directions in career planning and new directions in the workplace are discussed. The following articles are included: "Career and Life Planning: A Personal Gyroscope in Times of Change" (Judith A. Waterman); "Career…

Since career development extends through the life span, career assessment may be helpful to individuals of all ages. This paper explains the theoretical bases for career maturity and provides definitions and correlates of the construct of career maturity. School psychologists, who typically work with students-at-risk academically and socially,…

Demographic and psychological characteristics of 479 job leavers from two plants were processed, and work stability of 110 previously tested subjects was followed up for up to eight years. Results revealed that quitting a job is a career decision that depends on career type, career stage, and characteristics of the organization. (Author)

Know Thyself Manuals contain test protocols and summaries of test interpretations and were developed to be given to vocational rehabilitation clients in order to involve them in the assessment process. This example of a Know Thyself Manual demonstrates how the "know thyself" strategy is operationalized in an evaluation center using the…

A consideration of the use of the phrase "equality of educational opportunity" and of the educational models used to attempt its implementation suggest the following recommendations. If education is to devise learning models that will maximize individual potential and aid in matching human abilities to the work required by societies, then (1) we…

For a number of years, studies have reported that people with disabilities have lower work force participation rates than the general public. One factor may be a lack of transitional, vocational programs for young people with disabilities. This digest describes "Thresholds," a career development program created with a basis on the unique…

Describes two model programs for high school and college students with learning disabilities that incorporate an experienced-based career education component. Explains programs' five basic premises and describes specifically designed program activities to assess and address learning disabled students' abilities and deficits. (Author/CM)

Assessment instruments play an important role in the 2-year college career planning and development process. The importance of these devices indicates that considerable thought and planning is necessary to ensure use of the best instruments for the particular college. A literature review and a survey of seven 2-year colleges in the Albany, New…

This volume on vocational assessment is written from an educational and psychological perspective and includes descriptions of program models appropriate for implementation within school settings. The book focuses on cooperation among a variety of school-based professionals; incorporates the roles of community-based professionals and parents; and…

Since the 1968 Vocational Education Amendments there has been increased emphasis on programs of world of work orientation and exploration for elementary and secondary students. In order to identify the problems facing these programs and the methodological approaches used in their development, this review emphasizes school responsibility in setting…