Comparison of Postsecondary Transitional Outcomes Between Students With and Without Disabilities by Secondary Vocational Education Participation: Findings from the National Education Longitudinal Study

Abstract

This study used data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988-1994 (NELS:88-94) to compare postsecondary outcomes between students with and without disabilities and participation in secondary vocational education. Differences in postsecondary outcomes are reported for four groups of students: (a) students with a disability who participated in vocational education in high school, (b) students with a disability who did not participate in vocational education in high school, (c) students without a disability who participated in vocational education in high school, and (d) students without a disability who did not participate in vocational education in high school. Students without a disability who did not participate in vocational education in high school are treated as the comparison group (reference category). Findings concerning predictor variables are reported and recommendations for practice and research in the area of transition are discussed in light of public policy and the new economy.