ERIC Number: EJ990473
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1046-6819
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Comparisons of High School Graduation Rates of Students with Disabilities and Their Peers in Twelve Southern States
Smith, Theodore Scott; Manuel, Nancy; Stokes, Billy R.
Learning Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, v18 n2 p47-59 Sum 2012
This study compared differences in diploma and graduation dropout rates among students with and without disabilities, analyzed differences in various graduation-types by disabilities, and offered recommendations to improve graduation rates through evidence-based practices. The geographic catchment area of this study was limited to twelve Southern states, pinpointing an examination to a specific geographic region. In an investigation of graduation rates among students with and without disabilities, data indicated that students without disabilities had higher graduation rates. Furthermore, students with disabilities most often exited secondary school with a diploma, followed by drop out, and then attainment of a certificate. Graduation rates were further appraised by specific disability, revealing numerous graduation variances by both state and disability. Students with orthopedic, speech and language, and visual impairments graduated most often with a diploma, followed by students with head injuries, learning disabilities, and multiple disabilities. Across all states, children with emotional disturbances tended to fare poorest in graduation attainment. Utilizing recommendations offered through evidence-based practice, teachers, policy-makers, and others may implement changes, ultimately improving graduation rates for students with disabilities. (Contains 8 tables.)
Descriptors: Disabilities, Evidence, Outcomes of Education, Geographic Regions, Graduation, Dropout Rate, Peer Groups, Cohort Analysis, Best Practices, Graduation Rate, Educational Attainment, Databases, Data Analysis, Statistical Data, Statistical Analysis, Regular and Special Education Relationship, Student Records, Accessibility (for Disabled), Academic Achievement, Comparative Analysis, Change Strategies, Educational Change
Learning Disabilities Association of America. 4156 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Tel: 412-341-1515; Fax: 412-344-0224; e-mail: info@ldaamerica.org; Web site: http://www.ldaamerica.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A