Publication Date

Spring 2016

Document Type

Project Summary

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Multicategorical Special Education

First Advisor

Philip Boudreau, Ph.D.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate special educators’ perceptions of transition plans for students with disabilities. The research also investigated parents’ perception of transition plans for their students’ with special needs. The researcher examined the barriers that can effect transition planning. Previous research indicates that parents of diverse learners feel unprepared for this time period after post-secondary education. Educators may feel ill-equipped to prepare students for this time. Additionally, previous research indicated that the severity of the disability has a direct correlation to the success or lack thereof of student transition after post-secondary education. Furthermore, research indicated the importance of parental advocacy when drafting and executing transition plans for diverse learners. To investigate perceptions, I administered a survey to special education teachers who are currently employed at a Chicago Public High Schools and high schools within the suburban Chicago public high schools. A survey was also administered to parents of students with disabilities who attend a therapeutic Chicago Park District Program. The results of my study indicated that the barriers to effective transition planning included: lack of community resources, student’s self-efficacy, and school district support.

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