Preparing Youths with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders for Transition to Adult Life: Can it be done within the Standards-Based Reform Movement?

Abstract

This article identifies (a) what we know about youths with emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) and what works in preparing them for the transition to adult life; (b) the key features of No Child Left Behind (NCLB; 2001) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); and (c) recommendations for working within the requirements of this legislation to promote the successful transition of youths with E/BD to employment, independent living, and postsecondary education. Recommendations address the need to (a) use transition planning as a framework for developing the content and performance components of standards-based education and (b) ensure that preparation for employment and other areas of adult life are infused in the general education curriculum and in the standards-based reform movement.