Communities of Practice: A Strategy for Program Improvement. Information Brief, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2005

High school students with disabilities encounter many barriers to successful transition, and thus they are likelier to drop out of school than their nondisabled peers and have more difficulties finding employment. Policy makers and practitioners in many fields are increasingly using communities of practice as a core strategy for developing knowledge, sharing ideas, and solving problems. Use of this strategy to improve transition outcomes for youth shows great promise. This information brief defines Communities of Practice, outlines seven principles essential for development of vibrant Communities of Practice, examines the benefits and challenges of Communities of Practice in education settings, and offers examples. Further resources and contacts are also suggested.