Culturally Responsive/Sustaining Transition for At-Promise Youth

Abstract

At-promise students with disabilities benefit when educators implement culturally responsive/sustaining postsecondary transition practices. Yet, many educators lack the training and resources necessary to support culturally, ethnically, economically, and linguistically diverse youth and their families. To address this gap, the Culturally Responsive/Sustaining Transition Portfolio (CRSTP) assists educators, students, and families in preparing for postsecondary transition while respecting the values of families. This study assesses the usefulness of the CRSTP by training 45 preservice teachers on culturally responsive/sustaining transition practices using the CRSTP, and then having them reflect on the product and process using the 11-item online reflective survey. Educators reported the CRSTP was a promising tool for applying culturally responsive/sustaining transition practices, building relationships, and collaborating with students and families. Findings indicate the CRSTP guided students in developing self-awareness, self-advocacy, and goal planning. The evaluation of this promising and practical educational tool holds the potential to impact at-promise youth, families, and educators.