Continuing Follow-Up of Utah Students Exiting Special Education

2005

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 built on the previous two and surveyed students exiting special education in 2001-02. Comparison with the data from the two previous cohorts allowed 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 were surveyed again to determine if their lives were improving over time. During the July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2005 period, reports were drafted summarizing responses of the 2001-02 and 1996-97 cohorts. They were submitted to USOE and in December a Power Point presentation highlighting major findings was developed and presented to USOE staff. A presentation was also made at USOE's statewide transition conference in April 2005. Reports describing (1) changes in students' life situations over a five year period for students exiting special education in 1996-97 (Baer & Loving, 2004 - Continuing Follow-up of Utah Students Exiting Special Education in 1996-97)and (2)tends in the life situations of students exiting special education between 1990-91 and 2001-02 (Baer & Loving, 2004 - One Year Follow-up of Utah Students Exiting Special Education in 2001-02 and Comparison of Results with Students Exiting in 1990-91 and 1996-97) are available from the USOE or CPD.

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