An alternative curriculum program, a School-to-Work Transition Academy, has the potential to assist secondary special education students in developing workplace skills, knowledge, and competencies. Major elements are as follows: a collaborative team of special, regular, and career/technology teachers; advisory committee; transition-specific, competency-based curriculum that integrates computer applications with all curricula concepts; academics presented through contextual, authentic teaching strategies; and performance-based, authentic student assessments. Student placement is determined by student and parent interviews and career interests, aptitude, and achievement assessments. The transition curriculum is an integrated, circular continuum of academic skills, career/employability skills, and the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills competencies. Academic core content is organized into five coherent, sequential, competency-based strands: applied communications, applied mathematics, life management education, applied solutions, and career and employability skills. Mastery of specified core content competencies is the prerequisite for entering the local high school's Career and Technology Work Programs or Special Education Vocational Work Program. Teachers act as facilitators of activity-based, applied learning pedagogy. Other aspects of the academy are business partnerships, attendance standards, effort standards, and community-based learning opportunities. (20 references) (YLB)