Access to Social Capital in and out of High School: Why Building Student Social Connections Is Critical

• In Event: 18.073 - Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: 18.073-12 - Special Education Research SIG Poster Session

Abstract

We sought to understand access to social capital amongst a nationally representative sample of students with disabilities utilizing the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2). We identified social capital constructs related to frequency/mode, sources of social networks, and feelings about network support. We utilized propensity score matching to match students on support needs and personal factors to determine how access to social capital differs and is affected by school contexts. We found school context and individual factors impact access to social capital and that access impacts long-term outcomes. Key recommendations include policies and practices for participation in extracurricular activities, support using information communication technology amongst adolescents, and connecting adolescents with adults in the school and families with school staff.

Authors

• Kim W. Wolowiec-Fisher, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

• Yi Zheng, Arizona State University

• Hyejin Park