An investigation of the post high school outcomes of individuals with disabilities, and teacher and parent perceptions of transition services provided in a western Wisconsin school district

by Tauschek, Kari L.

Tauschek Kari L. (Writer)(Last Name) (First) (Initial) An Investigation of the Post High School Outcomes of Individuals with Disabilities, and (Title) Teacher and Parent Perceptions of Transition Services Provided in a Western Wisconsin School District___________________________________________________________ School Psychology Dr. Ed Biggerstaff May/2003 92_____ (Graduate Major) (Research Advisor) (Month/Year) (No. of Pages) American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual: Fifth Edition________ (Name of Style Manual Used in this Study) The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of students with disabilities after leaving high school. Secondly, this research explores teacher and parent attitudes about transition services provided by the school to students with disabilities. A historical framework was based on the research of significant legislative acts that have shaped the implementation of transition services. Data was collected to research the areas of independent living, postsecondary education, and the employment of former graduates and dropouts who exited high school between May 2000 and May 2001. These former students received services from the special education program while in high school. Furthermore, the perceptions of teachers and parents of former students who received special education services were assessed to supplement student feedback. Data analysis was constructed by the use of numbers and individual student, teacher, and parent suggestions. ii Results from this study indicate that there is a blend of positive and negative former student outcomes within the school district. One to 2 years after exiting high school, the majority of the students were employed and working full-time. Most of the students were earning less than $10 per hour and living with a parent or relative; however, nearly ½ were attending postsecondary education and working. Teachers and parents indicated that the school district has offered several beneficial services to students in past years including extracurricular activities, the school-to-work program, and the summer youth work program. As students evolve and individual’s needs change there continues to be a need to evaluate and improve transition programming. Students, teachers, and parents agreed that additional classes or curriculum were needed to allow students to practice monetary management, independent living, and job attainment skills. Further study is recommended to determine the post high school outcomes, and parent and teacher suggestions within the same district in 2 years to assess transition program progress. iii