Online Program

283911
Individualized learning plans as an education transition planning innovation: Do they work for youth with disabilities?


Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 1:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Laura Skaff, D.P.A., M.S.W., Community Health Systems, Altarum Institute, Washington D.C., DC
The purpose of this study is to examine the degree to which parents and teachers perceived their school as providing the necessary quality learning opportunities to optimize development of college and career readiness skills for students with and without disabilities. Two promising approaches are examined – the use of individualized learning plans (ILP) and learning experiences identified in Guideposts for Success (NCWD-Youth, 2007). Results from focus groups and surveys of 1,414 parents and 526 school personnel in four states indicated that while a majority of parents and school personnel felt that the school's transition assistance was helpful for all youth, differing perceptions emerged on the adequacy of preparation for youth with disabilities; and, particularly among school personnel, on the readiness of youth with disabilities to transition into higher education and careers. Based on these findings, recommendations are offered for schools and states.

Learning Areas:

Administration, management, leadership
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Differentiate between the experiences provided by Individualized Education Plans and Individualized Learning Plans in assisting youth with and without disabilities successfully transition to post secondary education and careers. Assess the usefulness of the experiences provided by Individualized Education Plans and Individualized Learning Plans in assisting youth with and without disabilities transition to post secondary education and careers.

Keyword(s): Disability Policy, Youth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Dr.Laura Skaff leads Altarum Institute efforts in the area disabilities and performance evaluation for health care professionals, disability policy, child health and well-being and community health care innovation. Prior to joining Altarum, Dr. Skaff was Commissioner of Social Services for the State of Minnesota, headed child protective services for the State of Maryland and served as a Policy Analyst in the Department of Human Service’s Children’s Bureau and Office of Human Development Services.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.