Continuing Follow-Up of Utah Students Exiting Special Education
Project Description:
In 1992, Utah State University’s (USU) Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) cooperated with the Utah State Office of Education (USOE) 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% but were still 29% of all those exiting special education, employment rates improved by 8% but unemployment was still 32%, and students living with their parents increased by 14% but 20% 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.
During the July 1, 2003 - May 1, 2004 period, surveying the 1996-97 cohort was completed. A report was drafted and submitted to the USOE in February 2004. Surveying the 2001-02 cohort was completed in April 2004. Presently, the data are being analyzed in preparation for writing a report to be submitted to USOE in June.
Keyword(s):
Special Education, Transition, Survey
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
