Despite many theories on student success as well as many resources to help students make the transition from high school to college, many students do not persist in or graduate from college. The purpose of this dissertation is to provide insight into what takes place when students leave P-12 institutions and enter institutions of higher education…

When young adults with disabilities (YAWD) age out of the system, they face what has colloquially been termed "the cliff," which symbolizes the sudden drop in services that occur as they transition out of high school; needs previously met at school are left unaddressed. Multiple options have been suggested to meet these needs, including…

Adults with disabilities are more likely than their non-disabled peers to struggle with self-advocacy after graduating from school, as they are less likely to have the skills or knowledge necessary to communicate their needs, access services, or exercise their rights in communities and workplaces. Special Education transition programs are…

Most recent data confirms that the transition and learning "gap between youth and young adults (ages 14-24) with and without disabilities remains significant despite decades of federal and state legislation intended to improve education and employment opportunities" (Cheng & Shaewitz, 2020, p. 28). Researchers have highlighted that…

Transitioning away from high school to postsecondary life can be a complicated process for any young person. This process can be made more difficult for students with disabilities if options are not put in place before they leave high school. This is where the transition process becomes an important development to help guide students with…

A committee comprised of the former state superintendent and educational leaders launched a unique high school program (pseudonym Connections) to support the delivery of a high school curriculum that would prepare students for college and careers. Students in Connections complete their 4 years of high school, supported by an Advocate who guides…

The outcomes of special education learning and transition services for K-12 public school special education graduated students is less often investigated in the field of education. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to understand the perspectives of post-high school K-12 graduated students concerning their perceptions of the…

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the delivery of services for students with disabilities. There is limited knowledge on the relationship between the transition services students received during the pandemic and their post-school outcomes. This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological design to informed by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems…

A qualitative approach was utilized in this study to examine four transition programs' best educational practices in building transition programs for eighth to ninth grade. An analysis of a retrospective study of the four transition programs provided data to support recommendations for best educational practices to build a transition program for…

Parent engagement in the transition planning process for students with IEPs is an essential indicator for positive post-school outcomes for students with disabilities graduating from high school. Barriers to parent participation include lack of communication, trust, and knowledge of the process in which they are participating. Educators must seek…

Parent involvement during the transition planning meetings prior to graduation was aligned with real student success in post-secondary outcomes of work or education. When parents were not aware or had access to resources for supporting successful transitions, special needs students suffered, specifically of African American culture. This study…

The transition from high school to college is both scary and unfamiliar to each year's new participants. For high school students attending school in underserved communities, this transition can be lonely and often inaccessible. To combat this, nonprofits and other community organizations provide additional support services to students during this…

I explored the experiences of former foster youth (FFY) as they transition through the foster care system and navigate high school, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the lived realities of FFY during these transitions, and emphasizing the challenges they face and the support systems that may be lacking. A qualitative research approach…

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting social interaction and communication skills. ASD can cause restrictive or repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities, with associated challenges and co-morbidities that often carry over into adulthood. These can limit opportunities for higher education, socialization,…

During high school, students with disabilities are provided with an Individualized Education Program to help increase their academic performance and ability to access the general education curriculum. Once these individuals turn 16, a transition plan is developed that supports their development and preparation to graduate from high school and…