The Adolescent Behavioral Index: Identifying Students at Risk for Disengagement in High School

In this study, we examined the relationship between self-reported adolescent perceptions of school climate and extant high school academic and behavioral data; specifically grade point average, attendance, tardies, and office discipline referrals, using a Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model on a sample of high school students (n = 5039) with and without disabilities. Findings show evidence of a robust Adolescent Behavioral Index when controlled for disability status as those with disabilities are expected to have lower index scores. Implications for research and practice are focused on the Adolescent Behavioral Index as a mechanism for systematic data collection that may underlie early warning systems in high schools specifically when designing college and career readiness interventions for adolescents and when identifying students who may be at risk for disengagement

sj-docx-1-ecx-10.1177_00144029221141029 - Supplemental material for Quality Indicators of Secondary Data Analyses in Special Education Research: A Preregistration Guide

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-ecx-10.1177_00144029221141029 for Quality Indicators of Secondary Data Analyses in Special Education Research: A Preregistration Guide by Allison R. Lombardi, Graham G. Rifenbark and Ashley Taconet in Exceptional Children</p

Interventions Focused on Independent Living Skills for Youth with Intellectual Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder

Independent living skills (ILS) are crucial for the post school success of students with disabilities. In this systematic literature review, we examined ILS interventions for secondary and postsecondary education students with intellectual disability or autism ranging from age 13 to 24. Forty-two articles met the inclusion criteria and were examined. Findings indicated the most frequent intervention method used was prompting followed by video modeling/prompting. Technology was the most frequent modality used to deliver interventions. The most common types of ILS taught to students were cooking and cleaning. Implications for policy and practice include educators evaluating the range of ILS taught to students. Implications for future research include an emphasis on further developing technological interventions that expand to a wider variety of skills

Development and Validation of the Secondary Transition Fidelity Assessment

In this study, we examined the structural validity of the Secondary Transition Fidelity Assessment (STFA), a measure of secondary schools’ use of programs and practices demonstrated by research to lead to meaningful college and career outcomes for all students, including students at-risk for or with disabilities, and students from diverse backgrounds. Drawing from evidence-based practices endorsed by the National Technical Assistance Center for Transition and the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Career Development and Transition, the instrument development and refinement process was iterative and involved collecting stakeholder feedback and pilot testing. Responses from a national sample of educators (N = 1,515) were subject to an exploratory factor analysis resulting in five measurable factors: (a) Adolescent Engagement, (b) Inclusive and Tiered Instruction, (c) School-Family Collaboration, (d) District-Community Collaboration, and (e) Professional Capacity. The 5-factor model was subject to a confirmatory factor analysis which resulted in good model fit. Invariance testing on the basis of geographical region strengthened validity evidence and showed a high level of variability with regard to implementing evidence-based transition services. Findings highlight the need for consistent and regular use of a robust, self-assessment fidelity measure of transition service implementation to support all students’ transition to college and career

Development and Validation of the Secondary Transition Fidelity Assessment

In this study, we examined the structural validity of the Secondary Transition Fidelity Assessment (STFA), a measure of secondary schools’ use of programs and practices demonstrated by research to lead to meaningful college and career outcomes for all students, including students at-risk for or with disabilities, and students from diverse backgrounds. Drawing from evidence-based practices endorsed by the National Technical Assistance Center for Transition and the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Career Development and Transition, the instrument development and refinement process was iterative and involved collecting stakeholder feedback and pilot testing. Responses from a national sample of educators (N = 1,515) were subject to an exploratory factor analysis resulting in five measurable factors: (a) Adolescent Engagement, (b) Inclusive and Tiered Instruction, (c) School-Family Collaboration, (d) District-Community Collaboration, and (e) Professional Capacity. The 5-factor model was subject to a confirmatory factor analysis which resulted in good model fit. Invariance testing on the basis of geographical region strengthened validity evidence and showed a high level of variability with regard to implementing evidence-based transition services. Findings highlight the need for consistent and regular use of a robust, self-assessment fidelity measure of transition service implementation to support all students’ transition to college and career

Establishing Construct Validity of a Measure of Adolescent Perceptions of College and Career Readiness

The purpose of this study was to establish construct validity of a college and career readiness measure using a sample of youth with (n = 356) and without (n = 1,599) disabilities from five high schools across three states. We established content validity through expert item review, structural validity through initial field-testing, and convergent validity by correlating domain scores with school academic and behavioral data. A four-factor measurement model emerged representing the domains Ownership of Learning, Academic Engagement and Processes, Interpersonal Engagement, and Career Development. Domain scores were significantly correlated with achievement, college admission exam scores, and attendance. Implications for research and practice with an emphasis on transition service delivery via multi-tiered systems of support are discussed