Promoting Attainment of Transition-Related Goals Among Low-income Ethnic Minority Students with Disabilities

Abstract

The Choices-in-Transition Intervention was designed to promote students' attainment of transition-related goals through person-centered goal-setting, help-recruiting skills training, and case management support. Participants were 41 low-income, predominantly ethnic minority high school students with disabilities. The study assessed the types of transition-related goals participants set and their goal attainment outcomes. In addition, the study assessed students' help-recruiting skill development, help-seeking behaviors, and the help received during goal pursuit. The researchers predicted that participants' help-recruiting skills would be positively related to their help-seeking behaviors, help-seeking behaviors would be positively related to the help students received, and receiving help would be positively related to students' goal attainment. Results revealed significant increases in students' help-recruiting skills. In addition, 34% of participants sought help with their goals, 90% received help with their goals, 85% met at least one of their goals, and predictions about helping were supported. Implications for transition services are discussed.