Laying a Foundation for the Future: High School Students in Transition.

This report and associated materials describe a project to develop and deliver a self-directed transition planning curriculum for high school students with and without disabilities. The NEXT S.T.E.P. (Student Transition & Educational Planning) curriculum was field tested with 300 teachers and 5,000 students in several states. Activities and achievements are reported for each of the project's four goals: (1) provide instruction on self-directed transition planning within inclusive settings designed by collaborative teams of general and special education teachers, parents, and students; (2) evaluate the immediate and long-term impact of the curriculum and instructional strategy; (3) document the critical factors that enhance the sustainability of the curriculum and instructional program with a User's Guide; and (4) disseminate the New York State User's Guide and information on student outcomes. Twenty-six appendices provide agendas, questionnaires, interview tools, lists of materials, and outreach materials. Also included is the User's Guide with sections on student benefits of transition planning, inclusive classrooms, collaborative planning and teaching relationships, and connections to standards and school reform. Information on a CD-ROM and a computer diskette complete the package. (DB)