Students with disabilities trail behind their peers without disabilities while in school, as well as in post-secondary outcome areas. Given that self-determination and enhanced academic skills are associated with improved post-school outcomes, one possible solution is to identify interventions that teach self-determination and academic skills simultaneously. This study investigated the effects of GO 4 IT . . . NOW! strategy instruction on expository writing skills of five high school students with low-incidence disabilities. Using a multiple-probe-across-participants design, the authors measured the effects of strategy instruction on quality of expository paragraphs and quality and content of individualized education program (IEP) goal paragraphs. Results indicated a functional relation between the intervention and improved paragraph writing. Limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications for practice are discussed.
The ability to solve mathematical problems related to purchasing and personal finance is important in promoting skill generalization and increasing independence for individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities (IDs). Using a multiple probe across participant design, this study investigated the effects of modified schema-based instruction (MSBI) on personal finance problem solving skills, purchasing an item on sale or leaving a tip, and using a calculator or iDevice (i.e., iPhone or iPad) for three middle school students diagnosed with a moderate ID. The results showed a functional relation between MSBI using a calculator on the participant’s ability to solve addition and subtraction personal finance word problems and generalize to iDevices. The findings of this study provide several implications for practice and offer suggestions for future research.
Research indicates teachers feel teaching goal-setting is an effective way to enhance academic engagement. However, teachers ultimately feel unprepared to embed goal-setting instruction into academic content to support active student engagement. Given the importance teachers place on goal-setting skills, there is a need to identify strategies to support teachers embedding goal-setting instruction across the academic day. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of goal-setting instruction on academic engagement for middle school students at risk for academic failure. Results indicated a functional relation between goal-setting lessons and students’ active academic engagement. Limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications for practice are provided.
Self-determination skill development is a central construct in the field of secondary special education. Recently, there has been discussion to revisit the motivational theoretical roots that influence the conceptualization of self-determination in special education, and merge motivational theories with instructional practices. Self-determination can be taught in a variety of formats, but one popular means is through self-determination curricula. To determine how motivational theories are reflected in self-determination instruction, a curriculum analysis was completed. Three motivational theories (contextual theory, self-determination theory, achievement goal theory) and three self-determination curricula (Steps to Self-Determination, Whose Future Is it Anyway?, and ME! Lessons for Teaching Self-Awareness and Self-Advocacy) were analyzed. Results indicated variability of the presence of motivational theory across curriculum.
This study conducted a secondary analysis using data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS-2) to examine the degree to which three of the four essential characteristics of self-determination (autonomy, psychological empowerment, and self-realization) predict enrollment in, and completion of, postsecondary education programs for students with disabilities. Results suggest autonomy and psychological empowerment influence students’ enrollment in postsecondary education programs; higher levels of autonomy in females increase their odds of enrolling in a 4-year university; and students attending a rural school with higher levels of psychological empowerment are less likely to enroll in a 4-year university. Self-realization was the only characteristic that affected students’ completion of a postsecondary education program. Implications of the findings for research and practice are discussed.
Sex education is not only a necessary component of public school curriculum, but it is also an important opportunity for students with and without disabilities to learn about their own development as emerging adults. Although comprehensive sex education is not federally mandated, many states and districts choose to offer some form of sex education to students. This article describes a five step collaborative process for planning to implement a sex education program to support the needs of students with disabilities.
Understanding the relationship between services and outcomes is important for students with disabilities. While research exists regarding relationships between services and supports provided in school and adult life outcomes for students with disabilities, less attention is paid to the supports and services provided after students exit high school. This study was a secondary data analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS2) to explore the postschool experiences and services received by individuals with mild intellectual disability and to understand the relationship between receipt of postschool services and postschool outcomes. The main findings for this secondary analysis were the lack of postschool services and supports provided to individuals with mild intellectual disability, and a lack of benefit in terms of postschool outcomes if postschool services were received.
Parental expectations (having high expectations for their children) and parental involvement (having parents as active and knowledgeable participants in transition planning) have been identified as evidence-based predictors of improved postschool outcomes for students with disabilities. However, little is known about how education professionals can support and promote high expectations and involvement of families for their transition-aged youth with disabilities. Parent advocates for students with disabilities across the nation were asked for their ideas. The following provides a "to-do" list of seven strategies and 13 activities special education professionals can use in partnership with families to promote high expectations for postschool success for young adults with disabilities.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of virtual mentoring for enhancing the persistence of secondary and postsecondary students with disabilities engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning. The student participants (N = 189) were all engaged in STEM coursework and enrolled in a virtual-mentoring program for a span of 4 years. Persistence was measured with an online survey designed to evaluate growth across self-determination, self-advocacy, STEM aspirations, and self-efficacy (math and science). After participating in virtual-mentoring practices, the most significant improvement was demonstrated in students’ perception of self-determination and self-advocacy. Growth differences were identified across type of disability and race/ethnicity populations. Implications pertaining to STEM aspirations and self-efficacy were addressed.
Individuals with disabilities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The purpose of this study was to experimentally evaluate the impact of a STEM mentor intervention and differences between students matched with mentors with or without disabilities on career planning outcomes. An independent groups x repeated measures design was used. Significant differences were found between mentored and nonmentored students for measures of STEM-related knowledge, engagement, confidence, and general career planning confidence, but not for STEM-related and disability-related self-efficacy. Significant differences were not found between students assigned to mentors with or without disabilities. This study contributes to research that demonstrates the positive impact of mentoring on career planning for students with disabilities, including those related to STEM.
Under-employment for individuals with disabilities is a worldwide epidemic, which Singapore has addressed by significantly increasing employment rates for this population. Providing work experiences for youth with disabilities at community-based job sites has been shown to increase positive post-school employment outcomes. To provide these opportunities, employment specialists benefit from developing partnerships with businesses. For this study, 14 Singaporean employment specialists, from five different schools and one government agency, were interviewed to better understand strategies utilized to nurture these valuable partnerships with businesses. Data suggest effective partnerships include (a) direct support for employers, (b) job matching, (c) job customization, (d) involving businesses in the school community, and (e) parent involvement. Implications and recommendations for future research are also discussed.
Research has consistently documented poor employment outcomes for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Vocational rehabilitation (VR) services provide substantial federal and state commitments to individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. To date, little research has examined the relationship between VR services and employment outcomes of clients with ASD. The purpose of this descriptive study was to better understand employment outcomes of individuals with ASD. Data spanning 10 years from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) 911 database were analyzed to identify characteristics of VR clients with ASD and the services they received. The percent of individuals who achieved competitive employment averaged 37% across the 10 years. Those who achieved an employment outcome participated in twice as many services as those who did not achieve an employment outcome.
Gender differences have been found in post-school outcomes of students with disabilities, yet these differences are rarely examined. To determine whether male and female high school students with disabilities scored differently in non-academic behaviors known to affect post-school education and employment measured by the Transition Assessment and Goal Generator, we analyzed scores provided by 1,537 high school students with disabilities, 836 family members, and 139 professionals from 30 states. Findings revealed no difference in full-scale scores on Professional or Student versions based on gender of the student. Family members’ overall scores for females were significantly higher, yet the difference was slight. Some differences were found at the construct level on all three versions. Construct differences and implications are discussed.
The role of gender, race/ethnicity, and disability category in the relationship between student perceptions of family support of personal growth and school facilitation of student involvement and the development of self-determination was examined in a sample of 190 diverse high school students with disabilities. Results indicated that both school and family support was positively related to self-determination. Disability group and gender were significant contributors to level of self-determination of students whereas age and race/ethnicity were not. Implications for practice include a discussion of ways in which schools can provide collaborative opportunities for the development of self-determination that are sensitive to individual youth differences.
Data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS2) were used to examine the patterns of career and technical education (CTE) course taking in high school by students receiving special education services for emotional disturbances (ED). Descriptive analyses indicate the extent of such course taking by students with ED and their engagement in a concentrated program of occupationally specific general education CTE, a level of CTE course taking that early research has linked to improved post–high school employment outcomes. Propensity scoring methods were used to determine the extent to which either type of CTE course taking was related to higher odds of full-time employment after high school and whether results differed with the length of time post high school. There was a significant positive effect for participating in a concentration of occupationally specific CTE in the first 2 post–high school years, but effects were non-significant for later years. Results showed no benefits of CTE course taking overall. The implications for high school programming and transition planning are discussed.
This study investigated to what extent faculty members include and value transition curricula in special education preparation programs in Saudi Arabia. A web-based survey was conducted and sent to special education professors across 20 universities. Descriptive statistics and a t-test analysis generated three main findings: (a) Institutions covered transition by adding specialized courses and/or through infusing of transition content in other courses, (b) institutions covered all 29 transition competencies at varying rates, and (c) both male and female faculty members placed high value on teaching their students in the principles of transition education and services. Implications and recommendations for future research were discussed.
The purpose of this article is to describe preliminary psychometric characteristics of a student self-report measure of self-determination, the Self-Determination Inventory: Student Report version (SDI-SR), designed for youth with and without disabilities. We administered the draft assessment to 311 youth and examined item functioning using structural equation modeling and item response theory. The 50 items that demonstrated strong psychometric properties were examined for construct validity using a series of confirmatory factor analyses. Overall, the pilot measure aligned well with the theoretical framework that guided its development, demonstrating acceptable model fit in adolescents with and without disabilities. Implications for further development and practice are discussed.
This study confirmed the reliability and validity of the Quality Indicators of Exemplary Transition Programs Needs Assessment–2 (QI-2). Quality transition program indicators were identified through a systematic synthesis of transition research, policies, and program evaluation measures. To verify reliability and validity of the QI-2, we administered rigorous methods including a content analysis, an expert review, and instrument field test. Forty-seven indicators were categorized into seven domains: (a) transition planning, (b) transition assessment, (c) family involvement, (d) student involvement, (e) transition-focused curriculum and instruction, (f) interagency collaboration, and (g) systems-level infrastructure. The QI-2 was found to be reliable and valid for use by transition stakeholders, districts, and states for evaluating quality of transition programs and identifying areas for program improvement.
Although an important part of adult life, individuals with significant disabilities experience low rates of gainful employment. The purpose of this review was to summarize and analyze the literature on teaching vocational skills to individuals with significant disabilities. Sixty-two articles (with 75 experiments) included in this review were published between 1969 and 2014, and indicated that most participants were successfully taught to engage in a variety of vocational skills in a range of settings. Unfortunately, this review also determined that the research on teaching vocational skills to individuals with significant disabilities is steadily decreasing, with only 15 new studies published since 2000. Potential directions for future research will be proposed.
In this qualitative study, a proposed organizing framework of college and career readiness for secondary students with disabilities was developed based on a synthesis of extant research articulating student success. The original proposed framework included six domains representing academic and nonacademic skills associated with college and career readiness: academic engagement, academic mind-sets, learning processes, critical thinking, social skills, and transition knowledge. Focus groups were conducted to examine perspectives among state-level stakeholders with knowledge and expertise regarding college and career readiness, drop-out prevention, and secondary transition. Through an iterative process, the focus group data were analyzed and the framework was refined based on findings. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
The current study focuses on the contribution of five personality traits to the development of self-efficacy and outcome expectations regarding selecting a high school major among adolescents with learning disabilities (LD). Social cognitive career theory and the Big Five personality traits model served as the theoretical framework. Participants were 312 adolescents with LD (M age = 16.15; SD = 0.46). Positive correlations were found between self-efficacy to select a high school major and outcome expectations from this decision. Structural equation analyses showed that high levels of Extraversion and low levels of Openness to Experience contributed to higher outcome expectations from the chosen major. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
This study examined similarities and differences in measurement properties and score comparability of the Supports Intensity Scale–Adult Version (16–64 years) and the Supports Intensity Scale–Children’s Version (5–16 years). Data were collected from 142 adolescents with intellectual disability with both versions of the Supports Intensity Scale. Data analyses indicated clear alignment of the specific set of items across parallel activity domains, as well as support for score comparability across two assessments. This suggests the two versions of Supports Intensity Scale can be used with confidence with transition-aged students to assess their support needs and inform supports planning, depending on the purpose of assessment. Implications and future directions for research and practice are discussed.
The purpose of this systematic review was to (a) systematically review the literature to identify National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 secondary analyses articles published since 2009 that met the quality indicators for correlational research, (b) further extend the findings of Test et al. by identifying additional evidence to support the existing in-school predictors of post-school success, and (c) identify any new in-school predictors of post-school success for youth with disabilities. Based on the results of this systematic review, results of the analysis added additional evidence to nine of the Test et al.’s predictors further expanding the literature base to support evidence-based predictors of post-school success. Limitations and implications for research and practice are discussed.
The purpose of the current study was to identify component elements of self-determination that may promote positive or buffer negative school- and career-related adjustment of adolescent girls with disabilities or with multiple risk factors. Autonomy, self-realization, and self-advocacy were examined together to ascertain both their cumulative and unique contributions to indicators of school- and career-related adjustment of 111 adolescent girls. Results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that together these component elements were significantly and positively associated with indicators of school- and career-related adjustment, after controlling for the effects of demographic covariates. Autonomy was the most consistent and robust predictor while self-realization and self-advocacy each contributed to aspects of adjustment across school and career domains.
This column provides brief summaries of transition-related articles published in 2012 in other professional journals. The 44 articles included descriptive, experimental, and qualitative research as well as program descriptions, conceptual papers, and practitioner pieces. All areas of Kohler’s Taxonomy for Transition Programming were addressed: family involvement, interagency collaboration, program structure, student development, and student-focused planning.
This study uses data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 to examine the rates at which youth with emotional disturbances received services during and up to 8 years after high school. Parents’ efforts to obtain services, information sources accessed, problems encountered, and the perceived sufficiency of services to meet youths’ needs are described. Findings show a drop in receipt rates for several services in the first 2 years post high school, relative to those received during high school, and a continued decrease thereafter. An increase in the reported effort to obtain services accompanied this decline in receipt rates. Implications for transition planning to build a better bridge from high school to the adult service systems are discussed and aspects of a research agenda are outlined.
This article describes the pilot study of an informal assessment, the Student Transition Questionnaire (STQ). The STQ is a 38-item assessment designed to elicit student perspectives on transition-related topics. In this mixed-methods study, we piloted the STQ with 186 participants, and then conducted focus groups with various stakeholders. A factor analysis revealed STQ items grouped together around five factors. We found that the STQ was useful in distinguishing students’ perceptions of personal strengths and needs. Focus group participants considered the STQ to be user-friendly and helpful in promoting student engagement in transition planning; participants also identified several areas needing improvement. Implications for revising the STQ, its application in transition planning, and future research are discussed.
This article presents results from a large-scale study of professionals who work with individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH). Participants were 1,345 professionals who work in a variety of roles, including educators, administrators, interpreters, vocational rehabilitation agency staff, and allied service providers. Participants shared their perspectives on transition experiences for individuals who are DHH, as well as their own preparedness to support their clients through this process. Data come from a national survey, interviews, and focus groups. Results demonstrate that professionals’ years of experience was a significant predictor of multiple outcomes, even when controlling for characteristics of professionals and their clients. Discussion includes implications of these findings for practice and areas for future research.
Students with intellectual disability historically struggle with post-school outcomes. However, much of the research on students with intellectual disability relative to post-school outcomes and transition services is aggregated for students with mild, moderate, and severe intellectual disability. This secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS2) focused on the in-school and post-school transition services, transition planning, and post-school goals for students with mild intellectual disability. The majority of students with mild intellectual disability received in-school transition services, yet few students reported post-school agencies participating in their transition planning. Inconsistent alignment existed between transition goals and achieving those goals. Implications for practice are discussed, including the potential need to increase attention to social skills in secondary education for students with mild intellectual disability.
This study explores non-modifiable risk factors associated with poor post-school competitive employment outcomes for students with disabilities. A classification tree analysis was used with a sample of 2,900 students who were in the second National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS2) up to 6 years following school exit to identify groups of youth with poor employment outcomes based on characteristics that are unable to be modified through an intervention. Post-school employment was related to the disability characteristics of the student (disability type, ability to understand what is being said, general health status), family characteristics (yearly income, community setting), and youth characteristics (race).The classification tree analysis identified four groups of students who were at greatest risk for poor outcomes. Future research will be directed toward modifiable variables that mitigate risks for those groups that may potentially lead to school- and home-based interventions.
Considered a non-academic factor that is not necessarily measured by academic indicators of college and career readiness (e.g., grade point average, college admissions exams scores), critical thinking is an important aspect of 21st century learning and thus should be embedded into secondary school instruction and assessment. In this study, secondary students with and without disabilities were assessed with a critical thinking measure and compared. Findings show significant differences between groups and the relationship to grade point average and PSAT scores. Implications are addressed for high school personnel to consider the assessment of critical thinking as part of career planning in a data-based decision-making framework to provide equal access and support to all students in terms of college and career readiness.
This review examines published secondary analyses of National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2) data, with a primary focus upon statistical objectives, paradigms, inferences, and methods. Its primary purpose was to determine which statistical techniques have been common in secondary analyses of NLTS2 data. The review begins with an examination of past knowledge about statistical trends in special education research and follows with a summary of results. Researchers most often used logistic regression analysis or tests of group mean differences. Null hypothesis testing was the primary inferential approach and few researchers used multilevel modeling to take into account the longitudinal design of the NLTS2 data set. By learning about past approaches to analyzing NLTS2 data, future researchers may explore alternative statistical procedures in secondary analysis of the NLTS2 data set to inform the knowledge base.
Competitive employment (i.e., employment in community settings among people without disabilities for minimum wage or higher) improves quality of life for people with disabilities who have individualized support needs (ISN). However, attaining competitive employment can be challenging for people with ISN. This study used a mixed methods design to evaluate the perspectives of 68 families who attended the Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT). Findings indicated that families who attended FEAT (a) accessed competitive employment resources following FEAT and (b) reported competitive employment outcomes for their family members with ISN following FEAT. We discuss implications of these findings and recommendations for future research.
Youth with disabilities, compared with their typical peers, have a higher likelihood of dropping out of school and experience poorer transition outcomes. Evidence supports programs and interventions focusing on inclusive education and leadership skills results in successful transition to college and career. This article describes the experiences of six youth with and without disabilities as they participate in the Youth Empowerment Series, a project helping students navigate the path to postsecondary education and/or employment. A phenomenological approach and photoelicitation was used to gather information about participant’s transition experiences. Findings suggest participants valued forming personal connections and friendships as they entered adulthood. Themes included acceptance, leadership, self-advocacy, inclusion, and planning for future goals. Participants were aware of transition needs and goals and had an understanding of the support systems needed to reach their goals. Future research on the role of friendship networks in transition planning as a natural support is warranted.
Although there are many activities (e.g., transition services), derived from correlational research, that occur while students are in school that increase the likelihood of positive post-school outcomes, many teachers continue to provide services shown to have little to no effect on outcomes of students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to operationally define the predictors of post-school success for educators to understand what is necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate secondary transition programs based on predictor research. Results conclude experts in the field reached consensus on an operational definition and set of essential program characteristics for each predictor of post-school success to aid practitioners in implementing these practices.
There is a dearth of information on specific accommodations used by students with disabilities at the secondary and postsecondary levels. Using data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2, researchers examined a nationally representative cohort of 3,190 students with disabilities who reported that they had ever enrolled in a postsecondary program since leaving high school. Analysis of differences in rates of self-disclosure indicated that only 35% of youth with disabilities informed their college of their disability. Whereas 95% received disability-based accommodations at the secondary level, only 23% did so at the postsecondary level. Likewise, 59% received at least one modification at the secondary level but only 4% did in college. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Very little systematic research has been conducted on mentoring of youth with disabilities, especially science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) mentoring. This article describes findings from a qualitative study, conducted as a component of an explanatory, sequential mixed-methods investigation of the outcomes and processes of a STEM mentoring intervention for high school–aged youth with disabilities, provided by mentors with and without disabilities. Focus groups were conducted with 30 youth, 30 parents, and 28 mentors following their participation in a randomized trial of a mentoring intervention. Key themes include the benefits of mentoring for STEM career development, especially for older youth; the importance of relationship development, encouraging guidance, and participation in experiential activities; and personality and interest compatibility in successful mentor–mentee matching.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a system of least prompts procedure with a video prompt serving as the model in teaching office tasks to three high school students with moderate intellectual disability. A multiple probe across behaviors design replicated across participants was used to evaluate the intervention. The dependent variable was percentage of steps completed independently on collating and stapling papers, organizing a binder, and preparing a letter. Generalization was assessed across materials for each participant in a pre-/post-test format. Results indicated the three participants learned all three skills after the introduction of intervention and generalized the majority of steps to novel materials.
Recently, consensus among researchers and professionals has emerged about factors that contribute to postschool success of youth with disabilities. Prominent among these factors are targeted academic preparation, family involvement, youth empowerment, and service collaboration and linkages. Work experience and paid employment have been identified as being highly associated with positive postschool employment outcomes. These components are reflected in the Guideposts for Success, produced by the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability/Youth (NCWD/Y), which represents professional consensus and extant research about what constitutes optimal transition service. The authors present a descriptive report on the implementation of a model for systematically delivering seamless transition services based on components of the NCWD/Y Guideposts. They report on how this model has been applied in 11 of the 24 county-wide school districts in Maryland for diverse special education populations, and provide preliminary data on its early impact on the students’ transition to careers.
The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to describe how culture, disability, and prospective first-generation college student status influenced the transition decisions of five native Hawaiian students with specific learning disabilities who attended a Hawaiian-focused charter school. Students had strong ties to their history and culture which influenced all facets of their lives including their decisions about the future. Accessing postsecondary education (PSE) was viewed as a means to employment that would enable them to support their family members. The lack of economic, social, and cultural capital may present a larger barrier to accessing PSE than disability. Implications for personnel who are tasked with developing and maintaining culturally appropriate curricula and programs for students are discussed.
This study investigated the kinds of supports postsecondary students who have mobility or sensory impairments perceived as being most effective in assisting them to attain their career aspirations. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 postsecondary students who self-identified as having a permanent mobility or sensory impairment, aged 19 to 32 years. Thorne’s (2008) inductive approach to content analysis was used to extract salient themes from the data. Three core findings emerged, with participants (a) identifying a wide range of individuals as being important sources of support, (b) citing important internal resources perceived to be as important as their social support networks in helping them to reach their goals, and (c) describing fewer environmental and material supports, but still perceived these to be crucial in facilitating educational and career success. Overall, these students were able to identify many kinds of support and experienced success in accessing them. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), transition needs and services are to be discussed as part of the Individual Education Program (IEP) planning process, and decisions based on students’ future goals are to be documented in the IEP. These transition requirements were included in IDEA in order to plan with the student, family, school, and agencies; assist students to see the path to the future; and increase their success post high school. In this study, 27 secondary teachers received professional development (PD) on the transition components in the IEP. The impact on the inclusion and quality of these components was evaluated using 302 IEPs collected before and after the PD. Preliminary findings show promise in positively affecting the IEP components.
This study explored the impact of race/ethnicity on three of the four essential characteristics of self-determination—autonomy, self-realization, and psychological empowerment—directly assessed in the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2. Specifically, the impact of race/ethnicity was examined with six disability groups established in previous research: high incidence disabilities (learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, speech language impairments, and other health impairments), sensory disabilities (visual and hearing impairments), cognitive disabilities (autism, multiple disabilities, and deaf-blindness); intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury, and orthopedic impairments. Measurement equivalence was established across groups, but significant differences in the latent means, variances, and covariances were found suggesting a complex pattern of differences based on race/ethnicity within disability groups. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
A number of best practices are recommended by researchers and professionals in the field of transition to improve postschool outcomes for youth with intellectual disabilities. This study analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 to examine whether best practices are predictive of postschool outcomes. The combination of five best practices was found to significantly predict employment, postsecondary education, and enjoyment of life outcomes after controlling for characteristics. In these analyses, parent expectations for employment and postsecondary education were some of the strongest predictors of postschool success. Although this study had several limitations, these findings suggest that best practices may be predictive of postschool success and highlight the importance of having high expectations for all youth.
We first conducted a synthesis of literature to identify essential transition teacher competencies to guide curriculum development for a personnel preparation program. The synthesis yielded a list of 67 competencies needed by transition teachers. Using the 67 competencies, we next created an electronic survey in which respondents were asked to rate importance of transition teacher competencies. The survey was administered to two groups: national experts and transition practitioners. Expert respondents were 52 individuals. Practitioner respondents were 231 teachers, specialists, or coordinators from five states. Results indicated substantial similarities in ratings across all respondents irrespective of sample membership or service to transition-age individuals with mild/moderate or severe disabilities. Findings are discussed in regard to personnel preparation and targeted knowledge and skills.
Indicator 14 is a federal accountability initiative that attempts to generate data on the outcomes of students with disabilities 1 year after leaving high school. Currently, there are only two areas, postsecondary education/training and employment, mandated for examination. Ultimately, the data are used to develop specific goals for 6-year State Performance Plans. This study reports the variability of the data collection instruments in areas of inquiry and number of items in the instruments of all 50 states. Commentary is made regarding the positive and negative aspects as well as missed opportunities in the data collection process for Indicator 14.
Since the revision of Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004, experts and service providers have been operating on the untested assumption that State Performance Plan Indicator 13 (transition Individualized Education Program [IEP] compliance) is a precursor to Indicator 14 (student outcomes of engagement in postsecondary education, training, and employment). This study analyzed the relationship between Indicator 13 and Indicator 14 through bivariate linear regression. The sample included student-level secondary transition data from 352 local education agencies (LEAs) in Missouri. A total of 2,123 IEP files were reviewed using a validated checklist for compliance to the IDEA transition requirements, known as Indicator 13. Indicator 14 was measured via survey responses from 4,994 high school graduates with IEPs. Results revealed statistically significant linear relationships between LEAs’ Indicator 13 compliance data and the percentage of graduates with IEPs who completed a semester of college or a career training program. Findings suggest that alternate approaches and indicators may be needed to improve postsecondary outcomes for students with and without IEPs.
Access to effective and comprehensive transition programming is pivotal to transition of youth with disabilities to work and independent living. Successful programs often blend key ingredients, including individualized educational planning, career development, work experiences in secondary school, and interagency partnerships/collaborations. Through a comparative analysis of the New York State transition program data, and the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2) data, this study empirically demonstrated the simultaneous contributions of various transition program elements to student postsecondary outcomes using mediation models. In addition, the technique of using propensity score analysis for balancing the two comparison cohorts, applied in this study, contributes to the arsenal of analytical techniques for evaluating the impact of transition to adulthood programs.
This study used the Take Action goal attainment lesson package and assistive technology to teach nine high school students with mild to moderate disabilities to attain annual transition goals. The Take Action lessons increased students’ goal attainment knowledge, and this knowledge generalized to improved Plan Organizers, and slightly increased students attaining transition goals. Added weekly teacher check-ins improved adjusting plan components that did not work and goal attainment increased. Students who took action on four or five Plan Organizer components attained the most goals, and on average, students used four weekly Plan Organizers to attain a goal. Stronger interventions need to be developed to enable more students to increase the action taken on Plan Organizer components.
This study focused on the academic performance and use of disability support services (DSS) of students with different types of disabilities who attend a postsecondary education institution. Findings show different patterns of academic success over four semesters as well as different patterns of DSS usage. Students who requested support from DSS were more likely to demonstrate improved academic performance, but relatively few students sought such support. The authors discussed the implications for professionals in working with this population.
This study explored perceptions of current practices used by secondary educators (special education teachers and guidance counselors) and stand-alone career and technical education (CTE) centers when working with students with disabilities from sending high schools participating in secondary CTE from one midwestern state. The study looked at perceptions held by each educational setting (high school and secondary CTE) regarding needs and responsibility when working with these shared students. Study participants were provided a paper-and-pencil survey consisting of Likert-type scale and forced choice questions. Results indicated inconsistencies in the methods used to share student information and who was responsible for providing that information. Many respondents did not feel regular communication took place between CTE and special education. The findings reinforce concerns represented in more than a decade of research in this area. Recommendations are made for how CTE and special education can better communicate and collaborate on behalf of students with disabilities in CTE.
The purpose of this study was to assess the inclusion of health care components in transition Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students diagnosed with Other Health Impaired (OHI). In this study, we analyzed 50 IEPs of students with an OHI diagnosis to establish whether there are health-related components or other common health care themes. Our data indicated that even though IEP team members noted detailed health concerns on the IEPs, it is unclear whether they considered these concerns in planning for postsecondary outcomes. Data from this study support a disconnect between knowing health concerns are present and needing to be addressed but not taking them into account in transition planning.
A longitudinal sample from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 was used to determine differences in work outcomes between (a) individuals with learning disabilities or emotional-behavior disorders and (b) individuals with or without disabilities. Twelve factors were arranged into individual, family, school-peer, and community categories. Individuals with high-incidence disabilities were more likely to be unemployed, whereas those without disabilities were more likely to be employed for 20 hr or more per week. A limited number of risk factors were significant contributors of work outcomes. Ordered logistic regression revealed individuals with high-incidence disabilities and all women experienced less positive work outcomes. Parental discussions with children about work plans enhanced the likelihood of positive work outcomes, but only for adolescents without disabilities.
This manuscript analyzed a survey of programs providing transition services to deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) students. Quantitative analyses compared services offered by residential, large (35+ D/HH students), and small (<35 students) programs. Correlations across Employment Preparation, Post-school Preparation, and Transition Assessments were significant suggesting program consistency in offerings. ANOVA comparisons for Employment Preparation found that residential programs offered significantly more services than large or small programs. Post-school Preparation and Transition Assessments were not significantly different indicating similar levels of services. Overall, programs focused their services on early and initial transition issues rather than on long-term needs and strategies. In contrast, research indicates that D/HH students require longer to achieve postsecondary and employment outcomes commensurate with their peers. Several strategies are offered to increase program access to specialized transition services and supports for these students in meeting their unique transition needs.
Community employment outcomes were examined for 338 transitioning youth with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in one state 18 months after exiting public school. All transitioning youth received ongoing Developmental Disability agency funding. The majority of transitioning youth (57.1%) were engaged in sheltered or nonwork activities. Only 14.2% were in integrated employment while 28.7% participated in other models of community work (e.g., enclaves, crews). Race/ethnicity, family expressed preference for paid work in the community, paid work experience, and self-management and community mobility skills were identified as predictors of community employment using multinomial logistic regression. Findings suggest the field should reexamine aspects of transition planning, including family engagement and work experience programs. Research and policy implications are also discussed.
We conducted an analysis of the secondary transition qualitative and quantitative research literature to build comprehensive constructs and lists of student nonacademic behaviors associated with post–high school employment and education. From a pool of 83 initial quantitative and qualitative studies, 35 met the inclusion criteria, and the analysis of these yielded 10 constructs of student nonacademic behaviors associated with post-school education and employment for high school students with mild to moderate disabilities. The constructs are presented along with lists of representative behaviors, implications for their use are discussed, and the next steps in building a new transition assessment using these constructs and behaviors are described.
This study used multilevel modeling to examine the extent to which secondary special educators promoted nonacademic behaviors that were positively linked to postschool outcomes for students with disabilities, including self-advocacy, goal setting and attainment, disability awareness, employment, and utilization of supports. Respondents were 248 special educators in 20 states. Results showed that between-state factors accounted for significant variance in transition practices and that teachers reported teaching skills related to disability awareness, self-advocacy, goal setting and attainment, and utilization of supports more frequently than those related to employment. Limitations of the study, suggestions for future research, and implications for practice are discussed.
The role of gender and ethnicity as moderators of the relationship between perceived family environments and levels of self-determination was examined in a sample of students with disabilities. A sample of 157 Latino and Anglo students with disabilities completed the Family Environment Scale and the Arc Self-Determination Scale. Results indicated Latino and female students reported significantly higher levels of self-determination than Anglo male students. Differences were also found among Latino, Anglo, and female students in the relationship between perceived family environments and self-determination. Implications include developing ways families and schools can provide conditions to nurture self-determination and transition planning that are sensitive to ethnic and gender differences.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using video modeling delivered through a portable media player (Apple video iPod) as a means of teaching job-related tasks to four young adults with autism spectrum disorders. The videos were enhanced by adding written instructions. Results indicated that using the iPod was associated with immediate and substantial gains in the percentage of steps completed correctly. All of the participants demonstrated maintenance of the acquired tasks. In addition, all four of the young adults were able to use the video iPod independently. Social validity data indicated that using an iPod was a socially acceptable and appropriate way to deliver a video modeling intervention in some community employment settings
Although fostering self-determination has emerged as a central element of recommended and evidence-based transition practices for adolescents with disabilities, few studies have examined the paths through which students develop the skills and dispositions that can enhance their self-determination and successful transitions. The authors used path analyses to examine the ways in which exposure to quality secondary learning environments contributed to the development of self-efficacy, motivation, and academic achievement among 135 high school students receiving special education services. Students with disabilities who reported having greater involvement in learning environments reflecting recommended transition practices (i.e., high-quality learning environments) demonstrated increased career-search self-efficacy. Students with greater career-search self-efficacy were more highly engaged in goal setting, which further predicted their motivation to attend school and academic self-efficacy. Finally, students with higher academic self-efficacy were found to have higher grades. The authors offer recommendations for enhancing the self-determination skills and opportunities of youth with disabilities by strengthening the quality and impact of transition education.
Postsecondary education is an important component of career development and achievement. However, students with emotional or behavioral difficulties (EBDs) are less likely to attend a postsecondary institution than their nondisabled peers and peers with disabilities. This qualitative study explored the experiences of emerging adults diagnosed with an EBD who are working toward their academic goals in a postsecondary setting. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews and brief follow-up interviews with five participants, aged 18 to 25. Various themes emerged from the study, including salient aspects of living with an EBD, how having an EBD impacts their transition experiences at a postsecondary institution, the ability to achieve their goals, and how they are able to manage these challenges.
Young women with disabilities face multiple barriers in making the transition from high school to meaningful careers. This study used focus groups and individual interviews with high school girls with disabilities, college women with disabilities, high school special education teachers, school administrators and employers to examine career development and transition needs for young women with disabilities. Barriers and supports were identified in four major categories: a) individual/interpersonal skills, b) career options, c) school system issues, and d) disability needs. Recommendations for practice are discussed.
Employment is an important postschool goal for students with mild intellectual disability; yet, results for this particular population are often not disaggregated from other disability categories. In this study, data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) were used to explore the extent to which students with mild intellectual disability participated in employment-related transition activities, the relationship between participation in these activities and school demographic variables, and the relationship between these activities and postschool employment outcomes. The results revealed three main findings: (a) the majority of students with mild intellectual disability participated in employment-related transition activities, (b) participation in employment-related transition activities differed by school demographics, and (c) postschool employment status was related to participation in employment-related transition activities while in school.