Continuing Follow-Up of Utah Students Exiting Special Education

2003

In 1992, Utah State University’s (USU) Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) cooperated with the Utah State Office of Education to conduct a survey of students exiting special education in 1990-91 (Baer & Hennifer, 1992). The study sought information on former students’: · employment, and job training experiences while in school, · residential arrangements, · employment, · continuing education, · community activities, · access of social services, and · arrest records. The original study was replicated in 1998-99 for students exiting special education in 1996-97 (Baer & Suter, 1999). Responses of the two cohorts were compared to document differences in the experiences of students exiting at the two points in time. In general, the data showed a disturbing yet improving picture. For example, drop out rates decreased by 4 percent but were still 29 percent of all those exiting special education, employment rates improved by 8 percent but unemployment was still 32 percent, and students living with their parents increased by 14 percent but 20 percent more were pursuing continuing education. The present project is building on the previous two and is surveying students exiting special education in 2001-02. Comparison with the data from the two previous cohorts will allow determination of whether and in what respects life continues to improve for students exiting special education in Utah. Further, individuals in the cohort exiting in 1996-97 will be surveyed again to determine if their lives are improving over time.

special education, transition, survey

Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information

Education & Early Intervention, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English

State

N/A