Adult outcomes for students with disabilities continue to remain below their peers without disabilities, and such poor postsecondary outcomes may be due to special education teachers who are unprepared to plan and deliver effective transition services. This study examined the perceptions of 557 middle and high school special education teachers from 31 states. A transition competencies survey was developed to collect data on teacher demographic variables as well as ratings of their levels of proficiency in (a) preparation to plan and deliver transition services, (b) satisfaction with transition training, and the (c) frequency with which they deliver specific competencies. Implications for including transition content in both special education personnel preparation programs and professional development opportunities for teachers of transition-aged youth are discussed.

The authors examined the effectiveness of a support model to instruct five youth with EBD to self-direct the problem-solving processes and promote self-determination skills by enabling them to: (a) set employment/career related goals, (b) develop and implement a plan toward goal attainment; and (c) adjust and evaluate progress toward meeting their goals. Participants chose individualized employment goals and worked through the model as a support to planning, implementing, and attaining their goals. An AB design was used to evaluate goal achievement. The results revealed that all participants made progress toward each of their goals. Additionally, all participants reported that they achieved their target goals and were satisfied with the support that the model provided. Results support the potential utility of the model in promoting self-determination skills and increasing positive employment outcomes for youth with EBD.

This study examined critical features of secondary special educator’s experiences with transition professional development to predict variables most likely to influence performance of transition planning and services. Results included the extent to which secondary special educators are prepared to perform transition practices, the relationship between preparation and the frequency of performance, and specific variables predictive of higher levels of implementation. The results confirm that training matters if special educators are to implement transition interventions and services. Professionals with formal transition coursework and high rates of professional development were more likely to implement transition practices. Implications are offered for establishing specialized professional development originating from established course content sustained and supported with ongoing professional development.

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