Expectations and Transition Planning Goals as Predictors of Postsecondary Educational Enrollment in Deaf Youth

• In Event: Postsecondary Access and Success for Students With Disabilities

Abstract

Deaf individuals continue to face significant barriers in both education and the workforce. While parent and youth expectations of postsecondary education enrollment, as well as transition planning goals, have been found to predict postsecondary enrollment for students with disabilities, findings for deaf youth are mixed. Using the NLTS2 data set, the current study examines these three factors as predictors of deaf youth enrollment in different types of postsecondary education programs. Propensity score results indicate that parent and youth expectations do significantly predict enrollment in career/technical, 2-year, and 4-year postsecondary settings. Transition planning goals have a mixed impact, depending on the goal and outcome measured. Several considerations for transition planning are offered in light of these findings.

Authors

• Paige M. Johnson, The University of Texas at Austin

• Stephanie W. Cawthon, The University of Texas at Austin

• Lynn A. Newman, SRI International

• Debra Shaver, SRI International